BOX SCORE

New Britain, CT - Wagner left the bases loaded twice while stranding 10 runners in a 5-3 loss to Central Connecticut State in Northeast Conference (NEC) action at the CCSU Baseball Field. In defeat, the Seahawks (21-29) fall into a three-way tie for the final two NEC playoff spots with Monmouth and Quinnipiac at 13-15 in the league. Next weekend, the Green & White host the Bobcats while the Hawks play host to Fairleigh Dickinson.

The Blue Devils, which won three of four on the weekend, improve to 26-19 and 15-13 in the NEC and appear to be in good shape for a playoff berth with Long Island heading to New Britain next weekend. Wagner, which own the tiebreaker with Monmouth, must win at least two games (Mount has the tiebreaker if both teams finish 14-18), end up with an identical league record as the Hawks or take three-of-four from the Bobcats in order to secure entry into the four-team field. Sacred Heart is the lone team to qualify thus far at 19-9 in the NEC.

The Seahawks out-hit CCSU 11-9 and were led by junior RHP Jon Lucas (Hackettstown, NJ / Hackettstown), who went 3-for-4 with a RBI at the plate while also firing 6.2 solid innings on the mound.

Brian Martutartus (Carlsbad, CA / La Costa Canyon) also rapped out his third-straight two-hit game, going 2-for-5 with a RBI and his team-leading 18th double. On the weekend, the junior shortstop went 8-for-15 (.533) with five doubles and a home run while posting a 1.067 slugging percentage. For his career, he is batting .458 (22-48) in 14 games against the Blue Devils with seven doubles, six runs, four RBI and one home run.

Rounding out the multiple-hit performers for the Green & White was sophomore Tommy Higgins (Port Monmouth, NJ / Red Bank Catholic), who went 2-for-4.

Wagner scored the game's first run with a two-out rally in the top of the first inning. Senior Vin Avella (Matawan, NJ / CBA) doubled to left field before Lucas brought him around with a run-scoring single up the middle.

After delivering the first run with a RBI single, Lucas retired the first seven Blue Devil batters he faced before plunking Kyle Zarotney with one out in the bottom of the third inning. Danny Hickey then singled through the right side, moving Zarotney into scoring position. Sean Miller-Jones followed with the third-straight safety in the frame, plating Zarotney. The damage could have been worse had it not been for Kevin McDonnell (Bristol, CT / Avon Old Farms). The junior rightfielder threw out Hickey at third base for his NCAA-best 12th assist of the year before making a diving catch of Richie Tri's liner for the final out.

The Seahawks immediately reclaimed the lead in the top of the fourth inning with a single run. Junior Seth Boyd (Perth Amboy, NJ / Perth Amboy) led off with a double to right field before moving to third on a Higgins single to center field. Freshman Gaby Ramirez (San Juan, Puerto Rico / Perkiomen) then gave the Green & White a 2-1 lead with a RBI ground out.

CCSU again tied it up in the bottom of the frame. Mitch Wells drew a one-out walk before stealing second. After moving to third on a ground out, he scored on Anthony Scialdone's RBI single up the middle.

Hickey gave the Blue Devils their first lead of the game at 3-2 with a wind-aided solo home run to right field that just barely cleared the short porch.

Wagner tied it back up with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Freshman Nick Alfano (Coral Springs, FL / North Broward Prep) led off with an infield single before moving to second base on a Damian Csakai (Sr., Freehold Township, NJ / Freehold Township) sacrifice bunt. Martutartus tied the score up at 3-3 with a run-scoring single through the left side, plating Alfano. After Martutartus stole, Avella was intentionally walked as the CCSU elected to go to the bullpen. Blue Devil LHP Donny White hit Lucas with the first pitch he threw, loading up the bases. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, White induced a fielder's choice back to the mound to get the lead runner at the plate before coaxing a pop up for the third out.

CCSU wrestled the lead right back in the top of the seventh inning while chasing Lucas. Tommy Meade began the frame with a double off the right field fence before moving to third base on a wild pitch. Following a ground out and a walk, Hickey made it 4-3 with a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Meade. The Blue Devils added another run on a Green & White miscue, extending the lead out to 5-3.

The Seahawks threatened in each of the final two frames but were denied each time. Higgins singled with one in the top of the eighth inning before being erased on a double play. Martutartus doubled with one out in the top of the ninth inning but would advance only as far as third base as CCSU took the 5-3 victory.

White (2-1) picked the win, striking out three while allowing one hit and hitting one batter over 2.2 innings of work. Lucas (2-5) took the loss, striking out three while allowing five runs, four earned, on seven hits and a pair of walks over 6.2 innings.

Hickey went 2-for-2 with his second home run of the year and two RBI, leading the way for the Blue Devils.

Wagner now returns home for the final five regular season games, beginning with a Tuesday night affair with Saint Peter's. First pitch at Richmond County Bank Ballpark is slated for 7:00 pm.