Gaines Pitches Trailblazers to Split

The Trailblazers bounced back from a difficult game one to earn a split with Framingham State in a doubleheader this afternoon at Joe Zavattaro Complex.

Framingham did almost all there damage on the day in the second inning of game one, plating six runs in a 7-1 victory. Framingham had four hits in the inning and captilized on three MCLA errors. MCLA starter Ross Miner walked Pedro Acevedo (Fall River, MA) to lead off the inning and Justin Forman (Watertown, MA) reached on an infield single to third baseman Derek Lescarbeau. Mark Mainini (Hull, MA) reached on a fielders choice and everybody was safe on the bobble by MCLA shortstop Rory Slattery. Tony Iafolla (Medfield, MA) singled home two and later in the inning Chris Blydell singled home two more runs. Miner used a double play and a fly-out to center to end the inning, but the damage was done.

Miner did a good job the rest of the way, but MCLA never really mounted an offensive attack off starter Matt DiCato (Winthrop, MA). DiCato had seven strikeouts through three innings and allowed just two hits in six innings of work.

Miner pitched six as well, allowing nine hits and four earned runs (seven total). Miner struck-out five.

MCLA tacked on a run in the seventh. Cody Weaver led off with a double and went to third when the throw got away. Sean Coyle would single him home with one out, but the Trailblazers couldn't push anymore across.

Forman had three hits in game one for the Rams, all infield singles.

Game two was a pitcher's duel as MCLA senior Daniel Gaines was terrific in his last start in an MCLA uniform and outdueld Rams starter Ryan Stoller.

Gaines allowed an unearned run in the first and then kept the Rams quiet until the seventh inning. The Rams would get a run without a hit in the first. Blydell reached on a error opening the game, stole second and took third when the throw sailed into center-field. He would later score on a groundout.

MCLA got to Stoller in the third. Mike Mancivalano singled and went to second on a Joe Duncan sacrifice. Chase Preite walked and both would advance one base with two outs on a wild pitch. Slattery would pick both up with a single to left making it 2-1 MCLA after three.

MCLA would make it 3-1 in the fifth when Duncan laid down a beautiful bunt single down third with one out and then stole second base. Cody Weaver would single him in with outs and provide some insurance for Gaines.

The Weaver hit would loom large as the Rams made a push in the seventh.  With one out Iafolla and Matt Roberge (Lowell, MA) hit back to back singles. Ivan Colon (Waltham, MA) singled home a run making it 3-2 and the Rams would later load the bases with just one out. Gaines however would induce a pitcher-to-home-to-first double play to end the game off the bat of Cam Couillard (North Andover, MA). The play would preserve the win for Gaines (5-5) and the Trailblazers.

Stolley took the loss for Framingham; he pitched six innings allowing six hits and three runs. Gaines went the distance as well allowing six hits and two runs (one earned). Gaines struck out five.

Senior Nick Mancini had two hits on the day for MCLA.

Framingham will next play in the MASCAC tournament next week. MCLA will conclude their season at home tomorrow versus Newbury College at 1:00pm.