The Ithaca College baseball team lost two out of three Empire 8 Conference games to Utica College on April 16–17. The Bombers are now 14–12 on the season and 6–3 in the Empire 8.

During the first of two games on April 16, the Blue and Gold were down 3–0 through the first four innings. A three run fifth inning tied the game. Two runs were scored off a double from freshman center fielder Matt Carey, and the third came off a single from junior second baseman Josh Savacool. Utica came back in the sixth with four runs as poor defense took control of the Bombers. The Bombers scored two runs in the second in a comeback attempt, but was cut short and the game was over. Utica took the first game 7–5.

During game two on April 16, the South Hill squad began with a 1–0 lead on a hit by a pitch to junior catcher Ryan Henchey with the bases loaded. The Bombers scored again during the second inning on an RBI double from freshman third baseman Webb Little. Utica retaliated in the bottom of the second with two runs to tie it up.

Utica took a quick one-run lead in the third, then the Bombers tied the game in the top of the fourth with a sacrifice fly from junior third baseman Trevor Thompson with Little on third. Utica returned and took the 5–3 lead in the bottom of the fourth. During the next three innings, the Bombers brought in five runs, taking an 8–5 lead. Utica’s bats were alive in the bottom of the seventh with three hits and three errors by the Blue and Gold’s defense and scored four runs to take control of the lead again 9–8. No more runs were scored on either side, and the Bombers settled for their second consecutive loss.

However, the Bombers came back April 17 with a 20–6 victory to avoid a conference sweep. Little, sophomore left fielder Domenic Boresta and senior first baseman Zach Cole went 10–16 combined with 12 RBI’s, eight runs scored, four doubles and two triples.

Henchey hit a home-run and drove in three RBI’s. Sophomore designated hitter Brennan McCormack went 2–4 with with two runs scored. Carey and freshman right fielder Sam Little both brought in three runs. Thompson brought in two.

The Bombers next game will be at 4 p.m. April 19 at Freeman Field where they will go against SUNY New Paltz.