ITHACA, N.Y. –  After winning the opening game of the Liberty League Crossover Series against top-seeded Ithaca College, the Union College baseball team fell in a pivotal game two in the best-of-three series Saturday afternoon at Freeman Field. The Dutchmen took game one 5-2, before dropping a 7-3 decision in game two.  

Sophomore Kobe Mentzer had a big day at the plate going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, three runs scored, and three walks. Classmate Anthony Ruzzo went 3-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.

GAME 1: Union 5, Ithaca 2

First-year Chris Suter was excellent on the mound in the first game of the series with the Bombers to earn his sixth win of the season. Suter pitched eight complete innings, surrendering two runs on nine hits, two walks, and striking out one.

The Dutchmen opened the scoring when Mentzer capitalized on a wild pitch to take a 1-0 lead in the first stanza. The Bombers answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first to make it a 2-1 game.

Two innings later, senior Colby Nash lined an RBI double into center field. Back-to-back walks later in the frame with bases loaded gave the Dutchmen a 4-2 lead.

Union added one more run in the sixth inning. Mentzer singled to right center and Ruzzo raced home from second base.
The Dutchmen held the host Bombers scoreless in the final three innings to come away with the victory.

Junior Jason Goldblum pitched the final frame to earn his league-leading seventh save. Goldblum gave up two hits, but did not allow a run, and struck out one batter. Kyle Lambert falls to 3-3 for Ithaca, pitching six innings and allowing five runs on seven hits, five walks, and striking out four.

GAME 2: Ithaca 7, Union 3

The Bombers flipped the script in game two, outscoring Union 7-3 in the seven-inning game to force game three.

Union jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after Mentzer lined an RBI double into right center to score classmate Ryan Cowles from first. The Dutchmen added a second run when sophomore Thomas Parisi drove an RBI single into left field.

Ithaca responded with a seven-run first inning. Union added a third run in the third inning with an RBI single by Nash.

Senior Chris Murdock got the start for the Dutchmen and takes the loss after allowing seven runs, only two earned, on three hits and four walks. First-year Aidan McGee pitched 5.1 innings of relief for the Dutchmen to keep them in the game. McGee did not allow a run and only allowed four hits while striking out three.

Union and Ithaca will play again in game three tomorrow with the winner advancing to the 4-team double elimination Liberty League Tournament. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Freeman Field.