Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

SCHENECTADY, NY – Senior third baseman Shawn Johnston homered twice to lead the Union College baseball team to a 7-4 win during game two of a doubleheader against Skidmore on Friday. The Thoroughbreds claimed the early game, 6-3. With the split, Union's record goes to 5-10 overall and 2-6 in the Liberty League, while Skidmore's moves to 11-12 and 3-7.

In between games, Union College and the City of Schenectady officially dedicated the new home of Dutchmen baseball. Union President Stephen C. Ainlay and Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton were both on hand for the celebration. In a partnership between the college and the city, Union donated $162,000 to renovate “Diamond C”.

Johnston paced the Dutchmen, going 4-for-5 with four RBI and three runs scored during the two games. Classmate and centerfielder Pat Wilson went 4-for-6 on the day with an RBI and three runs scored.

Junior second baseman Andy Brown and sophomore leftfielder Jarid Hotaling also posted four hits. Brown was 4-for-7, while Hotaling went 4-for-8.

Senior pitcher Matt Sheehan earned the win on the mound going the distance during game two, striking out five to go to 1-2 on the year.

During the second game, Union fell behind 3-0 thanks to a two out double by first baseman Ed Reilly in the top of the second. Johnston, Wilson and sophomore right fielder Anthony Cassese each drove in runs and a throwing error gave Union a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the third.

Johnston moved the score to 5-3 with a solo shot in the fifth, but Skidmore pulled within one (5-4) in the top of the seventh. Johnston answered with his second homer – another solo shot. His big knock in the fifth flew deep over the centerfield fence, while his shot in the seventh was pulled over the right field fence.

Later in the seventh, Cassese doubled to score junior first baseman Colin McKelligan from second.

Sheehan closed the door the rest of the way only allowing two hits.

During the early game, Skidmore scored three runs in the top of the second again, but senior catcher Ryan Bowes cut the lead to 3-2 with a one-out single to score Wilson and freshman Nicholas Ranalli.

The Thoroughbreds went up 6-2 with a run in the third, fifth and sixth and Union added one in the bottom of the sixth when Wilson scored on an RBI by Johnston.

The two teams will be back at it on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Skidmore.