CORTLAND, N.Y. –  Russell Sage College began Empire 8 Conference play by falling to Utica 10-7 (11 innings) this afternoon at the Gutchess Athletic Complex, located in Cortland, N.Y.

The Gators (6-8/0-1 E8) rallied for three runs in the eighth to force extras, along with extending the conference opener with two runs in the tenth.

Sophomore outfielder Brendan Espinal (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) went 3-for-6 with an RBI to pace RSC. He was one of four Gators with multiple hits, while sophomore pitcher Jaylen Cuevas (Bronx, NY/Fordham Prep) struck out seven across 4.1 innings of relief.

Senior outfielder John Son went 2-for-5 with four RBI and a run scored to lead Utica (9-3/1-0 E8). 

The squads are scheduled to continue their weekend series with a Sunday doubleheader. First pitch from the Gutchess Complex is slated for 1:00 PM.

Notes: A pair from RSC earned Empire 8 Conference weekly honors on Feb. 27…Senior outfielder James Lubanski (Port Washington, NY/Paul D. Schreiber) was selected the Player of the Week, while sophomore Liam Doyle (West Sayville, NY/Connetquot) was named the Pitcher of the Week…Sophomore infielder Frank Colletta (Holtsville, NY/St. John the Baptist) was chosen the E8 Player of the Week on March 6...2023 marks the second season for the program…The Gators reached the semifinals of the Empire 8 Conference Championship Tournament in their inaugural spring…22 players returned to the squad…Sophomore pitcher/infielder Liam Doyle (West Sayville, NY/Connetquot), sophomore infielder Andrew Knapp (Nanuet, NY/Nanuet), and sophomore outfielder Leandro Guzman (New Britain, CT/New Britain) highlighted the group of returning players. 

Save the Date: The 18th Annual Gator Golf Classic will be held on Friday, June 2 at Colonie Golf and Country Club.

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