NEW PALTZ, NY (April 26, 2017) – For the first time since being hired as the head coach at Vassar College back in October, Brewer head mentor faced off against his former squad in New Paltz Wednesday, dropping a non-conference tussle with the Hawks 4-3 in action from Loren Campbell Baseball Field.
 
The Brewers got on the board in the top of the first, as freshman Daniel Bonfiglio was hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Junior captain Bobby Kinne followed with a walk to put runners on first and second, and senior Denis Shanagher also walked to load the bases.
 
After a strikeout, freshman Matt Martino got the Brewers on the board with a fly ball to right field, which was deep enough to plate Bonfiglio. Sophomore Taylor Smach continued his production of late, as he ripped a single to left field on a 0-1 pitch to score Kinne from second base to put VC up 2-0. In the bottom of the inning, New Paltz got a run back, as designated hitter Chris Moran homered to left field.
 
In the bottom of the second, the host Hawks scored two more runs, taking advantage of a two-out error to plate a pair of unearned tallies. Vassar would deadlock the game again in the top of the third, as Martino once again scored a run with a fly ball, as he pushed across Shanagher who had earlier doubled.
 
The Hawks regained their lead in the bottom of the third, as Justin Ganca connected for a solo shot to center field to put New Paltz up 4-3. Vassar put runners on during the next six innings, but wouldn't be able to cash in a run. Fortunately, the Brewers bullpen kept them in the game, matching zeros to keep the Vassar deficit at one.
 
In the ninth, Vassar got its lead-off man aboard but a ground ball double play erased the runner and the Hawks held on for the win. Shanagher finished 2-for-2 with a double and a walk for the Brewers, as VC totaled just five hits on the day. Bonfiglio was 1-for-3 with a run, and freshman Evan Trausch was 1-for-4. Brewer catcher Jake Doyle also gunned down a pair of attempted base stealers in the contest. 
 
Brewer starter Billy Mathiesen allowed two earned runs over three innings in getting the loss, surrendering five hits, before handing the ball to the bullpen. Sophomore Jesse Mulham worked the minimum over two innings, allowing just one hit, and freshman Max Spencer walked one and struck out three over 2.2 innings in relief.
 
Ganca led the way for the Hawks, going 2-for-4, as New Paltz used nine pitchers on the afternoon. James Magnuson was credited with the win, allowing a run and hit in his inning or work, while Justin Stybel struck out three over two innings.
 
Vassar will jump back into Liberty League play Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., hosting Bard College for a pair of conference games for Senior Day. Arrive early as the Brewers will honor their six seniors for their four years of dedication to the program.