Trailblazers Leave Florida With a Loss

The MCLA baseball team wrapped up their 2015 spring trip with a 4-2 loss versus Sewanee today, the team finishes the trip with a 6-4 record.

The Trailblazers squandered a big chance out of the gate when they loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the first. However, Rory Slattery struck out and Tyler Benoit grounded into a double play to end the rally.

Sewanee capitalized in the bottom of the inning when they took a 1-0 lead after Nathaniel Ho scored from second on a two-out error from MCLA shortstop Ryan Shook.

The game remained 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth when Sewanee would tack on three more, giving starter Drew Mancuso all he would need. Control issues would plague MCLA starter Ryan Grande in the fourth. Grande walked three batters in the inning, and threw four wild pitches as Sewanee put three up in the inning. Jackson Cooper and Derek Hullings had RBI singles in the inning.

MCLA would cut the lead in the top of the fifth on two-run double by Chase Preite, however the Trailblazers wouldn't threaten again as they dropped a 4-2 decision.

Grande was solid other than the fourth inning, but took the loss and falls to 1-1 on the season. He went six innings and allowed three earned. Mancuso picked up the win, tossing five innings and allowing two earned, while striking out six. Mike O'Neil picked up a four inning save. Cooper was 2-4 with a run scored and RBI for the victors.

Preite had three hits on the day for MCLA. Mike Sullivan also reached base three times for MCLA.

The Trailblazers are scheduled to return home and open the season up north on March 26^th versus Norwich, weather and field conditions permitting. Check http://athletics.mcla.edu/sports/bsb/2014-15/schedule for updates.