Yaphank, N.Y. - For the first time in the 2019 season, the College of Mount Saint Vincent's baseball team took the field to take on Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts out in Yaphank on Long Island, New York. Despite losing both games of the double header, the Dolphins played encouraging baseball in the two contests, which should only help them as the season goes on. 

The opposing Trail Blazers got on the board quickly in game one, as they scored three runs in the first two innings before CMSV could get going on the offensive end. But in the bottom of the second, sophomore third baseman Pedro Fortoso drove in the first run of 2019, singling in designated hitter Anthony Nocero and cutting the deficit to two runs. Unfortunately, however, MCLA's strong pitching performance and a pair of insurance runs ended any hopes of a comeback, with the final score coming in at 5-1. In addition to Fortoso and catcher Matt Albert, freshman Eric Zimmermann collected his first collegiate hit of his career. Sophomore Sean McHugh impressed out of the bullpen in the first game, as he allowed just one run on three hits while striking out five batters in 4.1 innings of work. 

Unlike in the first game, the Dolphins looked like an offensive juggernaut early in game two. After a Matt DiNorcia hit to open the game, Zimmermann collected his first RBI to give CMSV an early one run lead. But the success in the batter's box didn't stop there. After Anthony Nocero reached base with a hit of his own, the Dolphins had two on with freshman Michael Grisanti coming up with an opportunity to extend his team's lead. The first year player had the entire team on its feet as Grisanti homered in his collegiate debut, giving the Dolphins the 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Trail Blazers held their own on the offensive end, too, as they collected runs in the second and fourth innings to tie the contest. As the game made its way to the final frame, it was the opposing team who was able to get the final run on the board, resulting in a tough 5-4 defeat. Despite the loss, the pitching duo of Tommy Sharfetz and Pete Sanderson performed admirably, as they combined for five strikeouts and just three earned runs. 

With the losses now in the rearview mirror, the Dolphins will turn their attention to Florida where they'll participate in a tournament that includes five games in the span of a week. They'll return to the diamond on March 12 and take on Delaware Valley University at 10 AM.