New Paltz, NY -- The State University of New York at New Paltz baseball team lost 12-3 in game-three of its State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) series with SUNY Oneonta, dropping the three-game set 2-1 for the first time since 2016.

The Hawks move to 11-16 overall, and 3-12 in the conference. Sitting in last place of the SUNYAC, it is doubtful SUNY New Paltz will make the playoffs this season.

With both teams leaving a runner on base off of singles in the first inning, the Red Dragons offensive onslaught began in the top of the second. The Hawks could not control the run game, allowing SUNY Oneonta to steal bags constantly and pour in five runs -- all off of base hits. The Red Dragons scored once more in the top of the third inning to take a commanding 6-1 lead. 

After senior pitcher Ryan Votypka threw a scoreless frame in the top of the fourth SUNY New Paltz scored its first run of the game in the bottom half, with a two-out base knock by senior first baseman Justin Ganca, scoring junior catcher Matthew McGee to come behind, 6-1. SUNY Oneonta had an answer for the Hawks the very next inning however, scoring again in the fifth inning off an RBI single after second base was stolen to back in front by six at 7-1.

SUNY New Paltz went 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the fifth inning, giving the Red Dragons another opportunity to extend their lead. They scored two more runs in the sixth inning on the lethal combination of steals and singles that attacked the Hawks all day.

Two RBI singles by sophomore outfielder David Juechter and junior outfielder Julian Francisco combined as an answer for SUNY New Paltz in the bottom of the sixth, but it would be the last runs the Hawks scored for the day down 9-3. SUNY Oneonta sealed the victory with three more runs in the top of the eighth, winning 12-3 in a swift fashion to take the series win.

SUNY New Paltz will play twice next week against New Jersey City University and Vassar College before the Hawks last SUNYAC series with Plattsburgh State April 26-27. To stay up to date with everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks,Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.