PITTSFORD, NY – The St. John Fisher University baseball team secured a 9-5 victory over SUNY Poly on Wednesday afternoon at Dugan Yard. The Cardinals improve to 15-5 on the season and 6-1 in conference play with the win.
Fisher totaled 10 hits and drew five walks in a balanced offensive effort. Jordan Perry led the way with three hits and two runs scored, while Austin Droge added two hits and an RBI. Jackson Frey contributed a hit and drove in two runs, and Hunter Fales provided a key swing with a solo home run and two RBIs. Brendan Bucello chipped in with a double and an RBI, while Jack Griffin reached base twice and scored two runs as the Cardinals capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the game.
On the mound, Sean Cleary (3-0) earned the win, striking out three over three innings while allowing three runs. Dylan Becker delivered a strong outing in relief, tossing four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Luke Horton closed out the game, finishing with five strikeouts over the final two innings. As a staff, Fisher pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts.
How It Happened
Fisher struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of an error and an RBI single from Austin Droge to grab a 1-0 lead.
After SUNY Poly tied the game in the second, the Cardinals responded immediately as Hunter Fales launched a solo home run to put Fisher back on top, 2-1.
SUNY Poly evened the score again in the third, but Fisher broke the game open in the bottom half with a three-run inning. The Cardinals capitalized on defensive miscues, with two runs scoring on an error before Bucello delivered an RBI double to make it 5-2.
The Wildcats added a run in the fourth, but Fisher answered once again with three runs in the bottom of the inning. Frey drove in a run on a fielder's choice, and Fales was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring home another before a balk plated a third run, extending the lead to 8-3.
After a scoreless stretch through the middle innings, Fisher added an insurance run in the eighth when Frey delivered an RBI single to push the advantage to 9-3.
SUNY Poly made a late push with two runs in the ninth, but Horton recorded the final outs to secure the 9-5 victory.
Game Notes
- Perry finished with three hits and two runs scored.
- Fales hit a home run and drove in two runs.
- Droge tallied two hits and an RBI.
- Bucello recorded a double and an RBI.
- Becker struck out seven over four scoreless innings of relief.
- Fisher pitching combined for 15 strikeouts in the win.
Up Next
The Cardinals head to Long Island, NY for a non-conference two-game set against St. Joseph's University (LI). First pitch on Friday, April 3, is set for 2:00 p.m.