Lancers Take Split with Bears in Final Week of Action

Worcester, MA- Coming off a battle this past weekend with Anna Maria, the Worcester State Baseball team (14-16, 12-7) returned to Kevin D. Lyons Diamond to close out the series with the Bridgewater State Bears. The Bears took the single game back on April 20th as the Lancers looked to claim the series this afternoon.

Game 1 Final 

Worcester State: 8

Bridgewater State: 7

How it Happened:

Worcester State answered early adversity with a strong offensive push, but they could not completely erase Bridgewater State's large first-inning lead. The Lancers fell behind 3–0 in the top of the first, but they immediately responded in the bottom half when senior Nathan Thurber (Framingham, MA) drove in junior Kevin Doyle (Bridgewater, MA) with a single up the middle to get Worcester State on the board.

The second inning continued its momentum from the first inning when junior Ryan Jewett (Natick, MA) delivered a crucial two-run double to center, which brought home junior Cameron Early (Worcester, MA) and senior Mason Bates (Shrewsbury, MA) for the game-tying run at 3–3. 

Worcester State maintained their competitive edge throughout the match but failed to establish game dominance. After Bridgewater State regained the lead in the fourth on an RBI single, the Lancers answered in the bottom half when Kevin Doyle worked a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run, cutting into the deficit.

Bridgewater State established a lead in the fifth inning through a two-run single, but Worcester State delivered another response. Sophomore Riggs Catlin (Dedham, MA) delivered the biggest hit of the inning, ripping a two-run triple to right field to score Alan Carpenter and Nathan Thurber to keep the Lancers within striking distance.

Worcester State maintained their fighting spirit through several successful plate appearances because they matched Bridgewater State's scoring during important game times while maintaining their offensive pressure throughout the middle innings, leading to a tied game 6-6. 

Worcester State kept fighting into the final inning, showing resilience despite Bridgewater State adding an insurance run in the top of the seventh on a balk. The Lancers answered in the bottom half when Cameron Early reached on a fielding error, allowing senior Mason Bates (Shrewsbury, MA) to score an unearned run.

Worcester State maintained their offensive pressure throughout the game while they continued to create scoring opportunities until their last out. Taking the win for the first game 8-7.

Game 2 Final

Worcester State: 1

Bridgewater State: 8 

How it Happened:

Bridgewater State took an early lead which Worcester State managed to keep within reach. The Lancers immediately answered Bridgewater's first-inning score after junior Alan Carpenter (Richmond, RI) reached base on an error which allowed Doyle to score the tying run.

Worcester State maintained its competitive status after Bridgewater State regained game control through a third-inning two-run home run.

Worcester State created scoring opportunities during the middle innings, but failed to convert those chances which allowed the Bears to extend their advantage. The Lancers failed to score any points during the third and fourth innings even though Tyler Normandie (-) started the fourth inning with a double which created a scoring opportunity.

Bridgewater scored three runs during the fifth inning due to defensive errors and then extended their lead with two additional runs in the sixth inning. 

Junior Tedy Cove (Worcester, MA) entered the game as a fourth inning relief pitcher while senior Joe Auger (Lowell, MA) finished the game in the seventh inning. Worcester State struggled to create needed hits due to Bridgewater scoring multiple times during the final innings. The Lancers take the loss to the Bears in the second game 1-8. 

What's Next:

The Lancers (15-17, 13-8) step out of conference tomorrow to head to Keene State to take on the Owls at 3 pm.