Valhalla, NY – This past Wednesday, the SUNY Westchester Vikings hosted Nassau Community College at Silver Lake Park in West Harrison. The Vikings entered the day playing their fourth and fifth games of the season, while Nassau took the field for the first time this year.
Westchester opened the afternoon with a 5–3 victory, powered by timely hitting and strong pitching.
The Vikings struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Freddy Heymach (Pawling, NY/Pawling High School) would execute a steal of home to give Westchester a 1–0 lead.
Westchester extended the advantage in the third inning with a three-run surge. John Avellino (New Rochelle, NY/Salesian High School) lined an RBI single down the right field line, and Mercer Jordan (Beacon, NY/Beacon High School) followed with an RBI single to left. Gianni Generoso (Cortlandt Manor, NY/Walter Panas High School) added another run on a fielder's choice to stretch the lead to 4–0.
Nassau responded in the fifth when Deljanin launched a two-run home run to left field, trimming the deficit.
On the mound, John Robinson (Somers, NY/Somers High School) set the tone for Westchester. The right-hander allowed two hits and two runs over 4.2 innings while striking out four and walking two. Tyler Senft (Greenwich, CT/Greenwich High School) and Christian Peralta (East Elmhurst, NY/Christ the King High School) closed the door in relief to secure the victory.
Generoso led the Vikings with two RBIs, finishing 1-for-3, while Jordan paced the offense with two hits in three at-bats.
In Game 2, Nassau struck first in the second inning when Shorp lined an RBI single, giving the visitors an early lead. Westchester answered immediately. Adriel Rodriguez (Yonkers, NY/Saunders High School) battled through a seven-pitch at-bat before ripping a single down the right field line, tying the game in the bottom of the second.
The Vikings seized control in the fourth inning. Heymach doubled down the left field line to drive in a run, and a Nassau error later in the inning allowed another to score, putting Westchester ahead for good.
The pitching staff took over from there. Joe Grullon (Bronx, NY/Stepinac High School) started and allowed one run over two innings, while Reilly Deneen (North Salem, NY/North Salem High School) dominated in relief, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Robert Keller(Mahopac, NY/Mahopac High School), was huge in relief for the Vikings. WCC would win the second contest 5-2
Jordan led the offense with two RBIs, going 1-for-3. Tyler Ratti(Valhalla, NY/Valhalla High School), Jason Jackson(Arlington High School), Jordan, Heymach, Generoso, Rodriguez, and Avellino each recorded a hit. A huge factor in the game was the patience Westchester displayed at the plate, drawing eight walks.
Westchester will next travel to Florida to compete in the annual RussMatt Baseball Tournament. The Vikings will play 10 games over the course of the week against top Division I, II, and III competition at the NJCAA level. Their first game is scheduled for Sunday, March 15 at 9:30 AM against Tompkins Cortland Community College. Good luck to the Vikings in Florida!
