Lyndonville, VT - Playing at home for the first time this season, the Northern Vermont University-Lyndon baseball team put together perhaps their most complete performance of the season to date in defeating in-state rival Norwich University, 10-2. The Hornets improve to 4-14 on the season, while the Cadets fall to 11-8.
After a scoreless first inning, Lyndon got on the board in the bottom of the second. Ryder Thornton (Essex, VT) led off with a double, then stole third base. After Tyler Roberge (Essex, VT) drew a walk, Sean Cavanaugh (Londonderry, NH) singled to right, scoring Thornton. Roberge then scored on Tyler Murro's (Littleton, NH) ground out, making it 2-0, Lyndon.
The Hornets added two more runs in their half of the third inning. After TJ Santaw (Newport, VT) walked and Skyler Bushey (St. Albans, VT) was hit by a pitch, Thornton beat out a bunt single, and an error on the play allowed Santaw to score. Dylan Wilson (Monroe, CT) then singled home Bushey.
Lyndon plated three more runs with a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth inning. Thornton was hit by a pitch, then stole second and third. After Roberge walked, Cavanaugh's base hit drove in Thornton. Murro followed with a double to center field, driving in two more runs to make it 7-0, Lyndon.
Meanwhile Hornet starting pitcher Carlos Rodriguez (La Mirada, CA) was keeping Norwich completely in check. He only faced the minimum three batters in five of the first six innings. He struck out four over that frame and allowed only a pair of base hits.
The Hornets added another run in the home half of the sixth inning when Santaw reached on a three-base error and Bushey singled him home.
Norwich broke through against Hornet reliever Will Perkins (Holtwood, PA) in the top of the seventh inning. Ryland Richardson was hit by a pitch leading off. Conner McGee followed with a base hit, then Tristan Carey's sacrifice fly drove in Richardson. McGee later scored when Hayden Roberge grounded into a fielder's choice.
Lyndon picked up two more insurance runs in the home seventh. Cavanaugh was hit by a pitch leading off and Murro followed with an RBI double. Luis Rivera Pellot (Wimauma, FL) pinch ran for Murro and later came in to score when John Mahoney (Navarre, FL) beat out an infield hit.
Dale Ostermann (Harrington, DE) closed the game out with two innings of scoreless no-hit relief.
Rodriguez earned his second win of the season, while Norwich starter Timber Russell took the loss.
The Hornets return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Plymouth State University for another non-conference game. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm.
