Box Score

PURCHASE, NY (April 8, 2009) – Thanks to a 5-1 lead after four innings and a strong start from senior pitcher Tyler Bellstrom, the Vassar College baseball team snapped an eight-game losing skid with a convincing 11-4 win over Purchase College on Wednesday.

The Brewers improve to 3-12, 1-7 and next compete in doubleheaders at St. Lawrence University on Friday and Saturday. Vassar kept Purchase from moving over .500, as the Panthers fall to 13-14 on the season.

A two-RBI triple from freshman third baseman Sal Costanzo in the third helped spot Vassar a 3-1 lead, and two more runs off a two-run double from sophomore first baseman Joe Bubar in the fourth gave the Brewers a 5-1 lead Purchase could not recover from. Although two runs in the bottom of the fifth drew the Panthers to within two runs, four runs from the Brewers in the top of the sixth put them comfortably in control. Leadoff doubles from freshman Joseph Coniglio and Bubar started Vassar off on the right foot in the inning, and a sacrifice fly from junior shortstop Ari Glantz, an RBI single from sophomore catcher David Ringold and the Brewers' ability to capitalize on Purchase mistakes led to four runs and a comfortable lead.

The Brewers picked up their win behind solid pitching from a lineup that got good production from top to bottom. Leadoff hitter Coniglio went 2-for-6 with a run scored for the Brewers, setting the table for the middle of their lineup. Bubar collected two hits and three RBIs in the win, while cleanup hitter Costanzo drove in two. Designated hitter Liam Lee added three hits in the victory as the Brewers had 13 hits on the day.

Meanwhile, Purchase totaled nine hits of its own, but only managed one run over the final three innings as Vassar's bullpen survived some scares late. Senior Jeremy Pollack navigated in and out of trouble, working three innings in relief of starter Bellstrom. Bellstrom tossed four innings, surrendering three hits and an earned run. Pollack pitched the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, scattering six hits and three earned runs before giving way to freshman Dennis Tario, who did not allow a run over the final two innings. Bellstrom earned the win.