Game 1 Box / Game 2 Box

TROY, N.Y. – St. Lawrence University used an 11-run ninth inning for a come-from-behind, 16-9, win to earn a split with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) baseball team in a Liberty League doubleheader at Robison Field. The homestanding Red Hawks, the 13th-ranked team in the nation, won the first game, 2-1, on a bases loaded walk in the last inning.

In the second game, St. Lawrence came back to erase a two-run (7-5) ninth inning deficit with an 11-run inning. The big hit of the frame was a three-run home run by junior catcher Joel Kochan (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool), which gave the visitors an 8-7 lead. SLU added eight more runs before Rensselaer scored twice in their half of the ninth for the final margin.

RPI fought back from 4-0 and 5-1 deficits on three runs in the seventh inning and three more in the eighth to take a 7-5 lead before the Saints broke out. In addition to his home run, Kochan also had a two-RBI single in the ninth.

Junior Mike Root (Liverpool, NY/West Hill) earned the win in relief, while junior Tim Klein (Westwood, NJ/St. Joseph Regional) suffered the loss.

The Red Hawks captured the first game when junior Matt Muscatiello (Kinderhook, NY/Ichabod Crane) opened the seventh inning with a double. After a pair of walks and a strikeout, senior Ken Carroll (Shelton, CT/Fairfield Prep) drew a one-out walk to score Muscatiello for the win.

Rensselaer broke out on top in the bottom of the first inning when Jason Pollard (Hudson, NY/Hudson) singled, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on an error. St. Lawrence tied the score on a fourth inning, opposite field home run by senior rightfielder Andrew Engebretson (Long Lake, MN/Orono).

Klein earned the win, pitching the final inning, to improve to 2-0. St. Lawrence starter Mike Gipson (Lake George, NY/Lake George), who pitched into the seventh inning, took the loss.

Engerbertson finished the day by going 6 for 8 with four doubles and a home run, three runs and three RBI. For Rensselaer, sophomore Dan Feenan (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) was 5 for 5 with three doubles and three runs in the nightcap. Muscatiello was 3 for 4 with three runs and three RBI.

With the split Rensselaer is now 10-2 overall and 1-1 in the Liberty League. The Saints are 6-4 and 4-2. The same two teams play a doubleheader on Saturday at noon at Robison Field. The games are scheduled to be broadcast live on WRPI, 91.5 FM, and www.wrpi.org.