Hackettstown, NJ — The State University of New York at New Paltz earned a non-conference series win over Centenary Wednesday on the road after defeating the Cyclones, 11-3.
 
The Hawks had split the first two games, which were played March 10, both one-run games. However, Wednesday was a dominant performance by SUNY New Paltz, out-hitting Centenary 12-5, propelled by big first and six innings.
 
Matt Sarni opened the game with a leadoff single for the Hawks and was moved over in the next at-bat on a groundout. Ristano then quickly gave SUNY New Paltz a 1-0 lead, as the senior catcher continued his hitting streak to seven on an RBI double to plate Sarni. Christopher Sais brought home Ristano a batter later on a sacrifice flyout to center with Michael Boccarossa helping the Hawks to a 3-0 lead by inning's end on an RBI single to bring Fabian Apciella home from second base.
 
Apicella brought the lead to 4-0 on an RBI base hit that plated Tommy Kreider who got on with a leadoff walk. Centenary cut the score to 4-2 following runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but SUNY New Paltz answered with an explosive six-run sixth inning. Sais got the frame started with a leadoff base hit. Boccarossa laid down a bunt single before getting moved over on a ground out by Justin Harvey. Chris Thorne followed with a walk to load the bases with one out with Pierson McGinnis scoring Sais on a fielder's choice. Sarni brought home Thorne on a two-out RBI single before Ristano came up big again with runners in scoring position, hammering a three RBI double to left, extending the lead to 9-2. Apicella added on with another two-out RBI base hit, plating Ristano to end the inning with the Hawks up, 10-2.  
Kreider capped the offense for the Hawks in the eighth, helping Jordan Rios home on hard hit grounder that turned into an error at short.
 
Apicella led the way offensively, going 3-for-5 with a run, two RBI and a stolen base. Sarni finished 2-for-4 with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base, while Ristano hit 2-for-5 — both doubles — with two runs and four RBI. Kreider had two runs, two walks and an RBI.
 
The Hawks threw nine pitchers with James Trink earning the start and the win. Trink, Liam Ryan, Shane Linett, Bobby Ramsey, Robert Gregory, James McGovern, Connor Olson, Mike Ascanio and Xavier Zykoff combined to allow just five hits, three earned runs, three walks with seven strikeouts.
 
SUNY New Paltz is back in action Friday and Saturday on the road for its second SUNYAC series of the season against conference undefeated SUNY Cortland. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 3 p.m.

**************************
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.