Box Score Bangor, ME – The Castleton State Spartans took care of business and recorded a 4-1 victory in their opening game of the NEAC Playoffs over Thomas College from Husson University's Winkin Complex. Castleton looked to their ace pitcher Tyler Erickson to get things started, and the crafty righthander stepped up to the challenge and turned in an impressive complete game, going all 9 innings, allowing just one run on four hits and no walks while striking out 10 Terriers.
The Spartans got just enough offense on the day, as they got 7 hits off the Thomas starter, Jake Chamblee who looked impressive as well, going the distance for the Terriers, allowing 3 earned, walking two and striking out as many. Castleton's lineup worked in interesting fashion as their 8 and 9 hitters set up the leadoff man, Designated Hitter Ryan Zelinski who went 2-4 with 3 RBI.
Second baseman Peter Wagner went 1-3 with a run scored out of the #8 slot, while David Brandt went 2-2 with a walk and scored twice out of the 9 hole.
The lone Thomas run didn't come until the 7th, as Ben Goodall recorded the only extra base hit off Erickson with a double down the right field line, and came around to score two batters later on a Josh Gray RBI single. Gray went 2-4 with the RBI, and although he struck out twice, he was the only Terrier batter to record multiple hits.
With the victory, Castleton advances to play Husson tomorrow at 2:00 pm in the marquee matchup of the conference tournament, and by way of a coin toss, Castleton will be the home team. Thomas College will take on the University of Maine at Farmington in a win-or-go-home matchup tomorrow at 10:00 am at Husson's Winkin Complex.
