Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – Led by junior centerfielder Sean Wilkes (Troy, NY/Catholic Central), who went 3 for 6 at the plate, the ninth-ranked Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) baseball defeated New Paltz, 15-1, this afternoon at Robison Field. With the win, the Red Hawks improve to 19-1 overall, while the Hawks fall to 14-10.

RPI scored four runs in the bottom of the first to take an early lead. Wilkes led off the inning with a double, and advanced to third on single by classmate Jim Devine (Castleton, NY/Columbia). Senior Dan Valentine (Goshen, CT/Avon Old Farms) then delivered a sacrifice fly to left, which scored Wilkes. After an error and a walk loaded the bases, freshman Dan Stroud (Central Nyack, NY/Nyack) drove in two with a double to left. Senior Ken Carroll (Shelton, CT/Fairfield Prep.) followed that up with sac fly to center to plate the final run of the stanza.

The Red Hawks added two runs in the fourth, five in the fifth and two in the sixth, to open up a 13-0 lead. Carroll contributed by scoring a run on a double in the fifth, before doubling home two in the sixth. He finished the game 2 for 3 with two runs scored and two runs batted in.

New Paltz scored its run in the top of the seventh. Junior Tyler Terlecky (Binghamton, NY) tripled off of Opperman with one away. Senior Alex Cadmus (Wappingers Falls, NY) then delivered a single to score Terlecky. Cadmus ended up 1 for 3 with an RBI, while Terlecky went 1 for 4 with a run.

Junior left-hander Andy Opperman (Oneida, NY/Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) made the start for the Red Hawks and completed seven innings for his third win of the season. He allowed one run on three hits, while striking out three and walking two. Junior Andrew Novick (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay) came on to pitch two scoreless innings in relief. He allowed two hits and a walk, while picking up one strikeout.

Wilkes led Rensselaer offensively, going 3 for 6 with a double, three runs scored and two runs batted in. Stroud went 2 for 2 with two runs and two RBI, while Devine ended the day 2 for 5 with a double, two runs and an RBI.

Senior right-hander Michael Virgo (Farmingville, NY) made his first start of the season for the visiting Hawks. He allowed 10 runs (7 earned) on six hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out two and walked seven.

The Red Hawks return to action this Sunday and Monday when they continue their Liberty League schedule with a pair of doubleheaders at St. Lawrence. First pitch of game one is set for 12pm on both days.