Davenport, Fla. – Russell Sage College baseball split this evening's rain-delayed doubleheader with Chatham University (2-4) in Florida, dropping the first contest before taking the second game on a walk-off double from graduate student outfielder James Lubanski (Port Washington, NY/Paul D. Schreiber).
Game one was scheduled to start at 3:00 PM, but due to rain first pitch was not until 7:00 PM. The two seven-inning contests stretched over five hours, partially into early Monday morning.
In game one, the Gators were held to just three hits, a contest which they lost 4-2.
RBI singles in the seventh inning from outfielder James Lubanski (Port Washington, NY/Paul D. Schreiber), a grad student, and junior outfielder Brendan Espinal (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) concluded the scoring for RSC in the opener. Junior Dom Caminitti (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) also added a base knock and scored a run.
Pitcher Matthew Denatale (Rhinebeck, NY/Rhinebeck), a grad student, got the start for the Gators, going six innings and striking out five.
Chatham saw six players find their way into the hit column. Caleb Jones hit the lone extra base hit in the contest while sophomore infielder Angelo DeLeonardis scored two of the Cougars' four runs.
Carter Beneigh took the win for Chatham, punching out four over his five and 2/3 scoreless innings of work.
In the nightcap, the Gators found themselves down 4-3 heading into the final frame.
A Caminitti single drove in the tying score, who two batters later scored on Lubanski's gapper to give the Gators their second win on the young campaign.
The game-winner was one of two Lubanski doubles in game two. Espinal had two hits including a triple, and added two runs batted in during the late-night victory.
Joe Degroot (Clay, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse), a grad student, threw five scoreless innings with five strikeouts to earn his first victory of the year.
Chatham University had a two hit and two run performance from senior infielder Benny Dottle, and a two-RBI performance from Jones.
Sophomore Nick Martin and junior Dawson Morrow combined to strikeout 13 gators through 6.1 innings of work.
Looking ahead, RSC (2-4) continues their Florida trip with a Tuesday morning matchup against Gordon.
Gator Bites: Coming off a trip to the Empire 8 conference tournament championship, the Gators are looking to continue to build in their third year as a program.
Gator Golf: The 19th Annual Gator Golf Classic will be held May 31, 2024. More Information: https://www.
