Cortland, NY — Going on day six away from home, the State University of New York New Paltz capped its road trip Tuesday traveling to Cortland and concluding its three-game series with the Red Dragons after splitting the first two games back in March.
 
The Hawks couldn't make a late comeback against hosting Cortland and ultimately suffered just their fourth loss in SUNYAC play on the season in a 9-4 defeat to drop their overall record to 23-13 and conference mark to 11-4. The Red Dragons, meanwhile, improved to 24-11 and 14-3, respectively, and took control of the top spot in the league standings.
 
SUNY New Paltz produced 10 hits in the game but left eight runners on base as it struggled finding timely hitting. Tommy Kreider was the catalyst offensively as he went 3-for-5 with two runs, while Dillon Ristnano recorded a home run and three RBI. Fabian Apicella was a perfect 4-for-4, while Anthony Pericolosi recorded the other run scored, and Michael Ascanio extended his program record-setting hit streak for the 25th consecutive game.
 
All for not, however, as Cortland totaled 14 hits and took advantage of two fielding errors by the Hawks. The Red Dragons got on the board first, scoring in the bottom of the third on a single to left, which platted Talon Elkins who earned a free base following a throwing error at second.  
SUNY New Paltz took the lead in the third after one swing by Ristano who cleared the left field fence on a three-run homer, plating himself, Kreider and Pericolosi who got on with a walk and single to center, respectively. The Red Dragons answered though in the bottom half, scoring on another throwing error to get within one before Zachary Kringdon capped the inning with a two-RBI base hit to push his team ahead, 4-3.
 
After shutting out the Hawks to start the sixth, Cortland created some breathing room with a four-run bottom half. Each team added a run in the seventh to cap the scoring as the Red Dragons closed on a 9-4 victory.
 
Matt Sarni suffered the loss after pitching well, going five innings while yielding six hits, four runs, but only one earned, with two walks and three strikeouts.
 
SUNY New Paltz returns to action Wednesday, making the short trip to Annandale-on-the-Hudson to face Bard College for a single, nine-inning game at 4 p.m. before closing out the regular season at home against Oneonta for a three-game series.


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