PITTSFORD, NY – The St. John Fisher University baseball team started the first round of the Empire 8 Championships, as they hosted Utica University for game one. A four-run third inning helped set the pace as the Cardinals went on to defeat Russell Sage, 8-3. After today's result, Fisher moves to an overall record of 28-12.
 
With neither team scoring runs in the first two innings, Fisher went on to score four in the bottom of the third, while also having no hits. Starting out the scoring, James Murphy walked, with Jack Migliore scoring. Next, Brian Norsen flew out to center field, with Noah Campanelli scoring. Right after, Dominic Guccia flew out to right field, with Nick Lemire scoring. Right as the inning was ending, Murphy scored on a wild pitch, Fisher leading 4-0.
 
In the bottom of the fourth, Ethan Perry added to the scoring with a homerun to left field. Keeping the momentum going, Guccia homered in the bottom of the fifth, bringing home Norsen. Fisher picked up their final run in the bottom of the eighth, with Guccia singling to right field, Murphy scoring. After nine innings, the Cardinals won, 8-3.
 
Starting for the Cardinals, Patrick McGuire pitched the first 8.0 innings, facing 33 batters and striking out four. McGuire allowed five hits and two runs, collecting the win and improving to a record of 8-0. Christian Maloney pitched the final inning, facing six batters, walking one, and allowing one hit and one run.
 
Up next, Fisher hosts the second round of the Empire 8 Championship. The Cardinals will face the Utica University Pioneers, who defeated Houghton University. The matchup will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 12.
 
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