Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 LAKELAND, Fla. – Like the majority of the student population at Plattsburgh State, the Cardinals’ baseball squad packed up its gear and embarked on a lengthy pilgrimage to a warmer climate for spring break.

After concluding their nearly 1,500-mile journey to the Sunshine State, the Cardinals (1-3) split their first two games of the RussMatt Invitational against No. 22-ranked Washington & Jefferson College (4-1).

GAME ONE – No. 22 Washington & Jefferson 5, Plattsburgh State 3 (7 inn.)
It looked as though the Cardinals were poised to mount a two-out rally and put the first run on the scoreboard after Brian Latulipe singled up the middle and senior Mike Mulvilhill drew a walk from Presidents’ pitcher Eddie Nogay.

Unfortunately, Kevin Briggs grounded out to shortstop before the Presidents took the lead for good.

In his second start of the season, senior Kyle Kelly was forced to work through a dicey first inning in which the Presidents were able to load the bases thanks to a hit batter, a fielder’s choice and a bunt single. Kelly did a great job of damage control from there, though, inducing a ground ball double-play which brought a run in before picking up his first strikeout of the day to end the frame.

Offense was an elusive commodity for the Cardinals, though, as the squad could only put three runners on base in the first four frames.

Washington & Jefferson was able to build on its lead in an error-plagued third inning. After Scott Liller laced a single to center field to begin the frame, he stole second after Kelly picked up his fourth punch-out of the afternoon.

A walk and a wild offering by Kelly advanced the runners to second and third before an RBI single by Josh Staniscia made it 2-0 Presidents. Briggs then tried to gun down Staniscia who was attempting to steal, but instead let his throw sail wide allowing an unearned run to score.

Ben Weightman committed the second Plattsburgh State error of the frame when he performed an errant throw to first base that would have been the second out of the inning. That play brought in Staniscia to make things 4-0.

The Presidents picked up their final run of the game in the fifth when D.J. Michalski came around to score on a wild pitch from Kelly.

Undaunted, the Cardinals busted out their rally caps in the final two frames. After Luke Weaver drilled a sharp single to center field, Latulipe smashed a double down the left field line that plated Weaver. Latulipe would cross home plate later in the inning thanks to a wild pitch from Nogay.

Still down by three heading to the final frame, the Cardinals were able to load the bases before pinch hitter Chris Pescetti smacked a single to left field to score Shane Houppert that made things 5-3. From there, Mike Vizzini was summoned from the Presidents’ bullpen and sat down Plattsburgh’s one, two and three hitters in order to put the brakes on the comeback attempt.

“We had that game set up to win, but we didn’t do anything to produce any runs,” said head coach Kris Doorey. “We’re a team that’s going to scratch and claw in order to win games and we have to have that mentality at the plate in a situation like that.”

Kelly was hit with his first loss of the season as he pitched six innings and gave up five runs – four of the earned variety. Latulipe led Plattsburgh State’s offensive charge, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

GAME TWO – Plattsburgh State 3, No. 22 Washington & Jefferson 2 (7 inn.)
Casey Brighton was able to give the Cardinals their first win of 2013 when he shot a walk-off single into right-center field that scored Matt Meunier in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Cardinals, though, were buoyed by senior Brian Burns, who was making just his second career start. The Ellenville, N.Y., native picked up his first win of the season, working the entire game and giving up eight hits and one earned run to the Presidents. Burns also sat down four players via the strikeout and did not issue any walks to the opposition.

Junior catcher John Casten was able to get to Presidents’ starter Brian O’Neill early, as his single in the second inning scored Tyler Verdino and gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

Taking advantage of a Washington & Jefferson miscue in the third, the Cardinals upped their advantage to 2-0 when Latulipe picked up another RBI after reaching first base safely due to an error by the Presidents. Weaver, who blasted a triple down the left field line to open the frame, came around to score on the play.

The Presidents were able to get a run back in the fourth when Ronny Peirish came up with an RBI single that scored Michalski.

An unearned run in the top of the seventh allowed Washington & Jefferson to tie things up before Brighton’s walk-off sealed the deal for the Cardinals.

“For Brian to come out and answer the bell like that on the mound is very exciting for us,” said Doorey. “We played one of the best teams in the nation today, and to come out with a win is big for us.”

Brighton’s only plate appearance was as a pinch hitter, while Casten and Nick Lupo each went 1-for-2 at the dish.
 
Another doubleheader is on tap for the Cardinals on Monday when they face off against Allegheny in Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.