Baez Drives in Three, Westfield Tops Keene 10-5

WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State senior Robison Baez (Dominican Republic) tallied two extra base hits and three RBI to help Westfield defeat Keene State 10-5 in a non-conference game on Tuesday afternoon from Hagan Field in Westfield, Mass.

Westfield overcame a two-run deficit in the first inning, responding with a four run frame that pushed them in front. The rally began with two outs as Thomas LaSpada (West Hartford, Conn.) singled followed by consecutive walks from Jonathan Toth (Granby, Mass.) and Alex Martin (Shrewsbury, Mass.), turning the lineup over to Sam Palmer (Medfield, Mass.). Palmer scorched a line drive into center for a base hit, scoring two to tie the game.

Baez then stepped in and launched a deep fly ball into the right centerfield gap for a two-run triple, giving Westfield their first lead of the game at 4-2 after two innings.

Keene tied the game in the top half of the fourth inning on two-out hitting of their own. A single through the left side coupled with a Westfield error plated two runs.

The Westfield offense delivered a damaging blow to Keene's chances in the ensuing bottom half as Westfield strung together five runs on five hits to go along with tremendous plate discipline. Toth and Martin both reached base to begin the inning, setting up the top of the lineup to produce yet again.

The go-ahead run crossed home on a wild pitch, then later in the frame, Baez doubled to left field for his third RBI of the game, scoring Palmer to put Westfield ahead 6-4. Chase Racine (Pittsfield, Mass.) added to the lead with a sacrifice fly, then back-to-back run-scoring singles from Colin Ryan (Pittsfield, Mass.) and LaSpada ran the Westfield lead up to 9-4 as the team batted around the order.

Westfield topped the ten-run mark for the ninth time this season in the fifth inning off a RBI double from Devin Slattery (Ware, Mass.).

First-year starter Andre Phaneuf (Westfield, Mass.) received the first start of his collegiate career, tossing four innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits. He struck out three and displayed solid command as he did issue a walk. Senior Quinn Gallagher (Dalton, Mass.) entered in the fifth inning and posted three hitless frames in relief to keep Westfield safely ahead. Gallagher secured his first win of the season.

Shea Zina (Greenville, N.H.) got the nod for Keene, taking the loss while surrendering six runs on seven hits over three frames, walking three and fanning three.

Westfield State (13-5) will have a short turnaround for their next game, hosting Coast Guard tomorrow at 3:00 P.M. from Bud and Jim Hagan Field in Westfield, Mass. Keene State (8-11) will entertain Western New England tomorrow at 3:30 P.M.