Late Rally Lifts Fisher Past Baseball, 5-1

Lynn, Mass. - The Fisher College Falcons scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as they rallied from a one run deficit to defeat the Framingham State University Rams 5-1 in non-conference action this evening at Fraser Field.

The game was a solid pitcher's duel as the two starting pitchers matched each other pitch for pitch. Fisher College starter Kevin Michael held the potent Framingham State offense in check as he allowed only two hits through the first six innings. The senior from Ipswich, Mass. retired 12 straight batters at one point and faced just the minimum (18) as the sixth inning came to a close.

Framingham State starter Matthew Magazine (Marlborough, Mass.) was equally impressive as the senior surrendered just three hits over his first seven innings of work.

Framingham State (12-10) was able to break the scoreless tie in the seventh. Junior shortstop Chris Blydell (Lynn, Mass.) began the inning with a walk and was sacrificed over to second by freshman Matt Roberge (Lowell, Mass.). With one out and the bases loaded, Blydell was able to score the game's first run as he scampered in from third on a passed ball. Michael was able to escape without further damage as he retired the next two batters to end the inning.

Trailing by one entering the home half of the eighth, Fisher mounted a comeback. Senior Mike Oliveira (Tewksbury, Mass.) reached base on an FSU fielding error and was sacrificed over to second by junior Gary Lunetta (North Andover, Mass.) setting the stage for sophomore shortstop Jose Paulino. The Lawrence, Mass. native promptly laced a ball through the left side and the throw home was late as Oliveira came around to tie the game. After an intentional walk to freshman Davidson Peguero (Boston, Mass.), senior Reynaldo Nunez (Santiago, Dominican Republic) lined an RBI single into the gap that plated Paulino. Peguero was able to score on the throw to second as Nunez moved into scoring position. The Falcons were able to tack on two more runs to give them a 5-1 lead.

Junior Mike Hashem (North Andover, Mass.) came on in relief and retired the side 1-2-3 after allowing a leadoff double by Blydell.

Michael earns his third victory of 2011 as he pitched eight innings allowing just one unearned run on five hits while striking out five and issuing just one walk.

Magazine, who falls to 0-3, was the tough luck loser as he pitched 7.2 innings allowing Fisher to score four unearned runs on five hits. The right-hander struck out eight while walking four.

Fisher will return to action this weekend as they host Briarcliffe College in a four game series at Fraser Field in Lynn, MA. Framingham State will be on the road tomorrow with a 7 p.m. game at Suffolk University.