New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz remained undefeated at home after clinching a 7-4 victory over visiting University of Hartford Wednesday.
 
The Hawks' offense came alive early with Anthony Pericolosi leading off the game with a single. Tommy Kreider followed up with a base hit with Pericolosi advancing to third. Michael Ascanio brought the first run across on a sacrifice flyout to right allowing Pericolosi to score. Kreider came across after an errant throw by the pitcher on a bunt by Ristano. Wallace Kirkpatrick followed up with a double but couldn't register the RBI as Ristano was gunned down on the throw at the plate. Another error gifted the hosting Hawks a run though, as Joe Richetti managed to help Kirkpatrick home as his hit to second was mishandled, which allowed SUNY New Paltz to take a 3-0 lead.
 
Ascanio ripped a one-out double in the bottom of the third and Ristano brought him home on an RBI single to left to push the cushion to four. SUNY New Paltz tacked on another run in the fifth thanks to steady base running by Kreider who reached on a walk before stealing second. The Hawks plated Kreider two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Ristano.
 
SUNY New Paltz needed the extra run, as Hartford made the game interesting with a four-run sixth. The Hawks countered though with a run and created some breathing room, as Pericolosi did enough to score Fabian Apicella from third, who got on with a lead-off walk, after grounding out on a double play.
 
Jason Wall took over on the mound to start the seventh and got to work. He pitched the final three innings and kept the lead without giving up a hit or walk with one strikeout on nine batters faced. SUNY New Paltz added one more run for good measure in the eighth after Ryan Mackle started the frame with a lead-off double. Pericolosi eventually brought him home on a one-out single to aid in the 7-4 final score.
 
 
Jeff Lundsetdt was handed the win, pitching two innings and giving up just three hits and no walks or runs after Johnny McHugh started the first three innings, allowing four hits with no runs and one strikeout on 13 batters faced.
 
Kirkpatrick led the way, going 3-for-4 with one run. Mackle went 2-for-3 with a run and a walk, while Pericolosi finished 2-for-5 with a run and one RBI. Kreider added a hit, two runs and walk with two stolen bases. Ascanio chipped in with an extra base hit, a run and an RBI.
 
SUNY New Paltz improved to 14-7 overall while Hartford dropped to 11-11 overall. The Hawks have a quick turnaround, as they head back onto Loren Campbell Field Thursday to begin their SUNYAC series against Oswego for a single game starting at 3 p.m. The two squads will conclude its regular season play Friday with a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.  


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