Taconic Gets the Final Say against Hoosac
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Down 6-2 entering the top of the sixth inning, the Hoosac Valley baseball team rallied back with four runs in the frame to tie its game against Taconic on Sunday. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, it was the Braves who would the final say, getting an RBI double by Brian Bonacquisti in the bottom of the seventh to pull out a 7-6 win at home.Hoosac, which fell to 4-3 with the loss, fought its way back with a four-run sixth inning highlighted by three-run home run by junior Tanner Bird. It was a good day for Bird, who finished with two hits, three RBI and two runs scored and who also helped out on the mound, giving up just unearned run in two and two-third innings of work.
Bird was charged for the loss, however, when he hit Taconic's Austin Phillips to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning. After a sacrifice by Corey Decker moved Phillips into scoring position, Hurricanes head coach Bob Rivard brought in reliever Nick Burzimati to face Bonacquisti, who promptly drove the first pitch he saw into center field for the game-winning hit.
Sunday's loss cappped a tough stretch of games for Hoosac, which went 1-2 in games against Drury, Monument Mountain and Taconic in the last three days.
"It was a tough three days against quality competition," Rivard said. "Our pitching was very good and kept us in games. We played well today, but Taconic found some holes and delivered some timely hitting. Our pitchers did what they had to do on Sunday to try and set us up for the rest of the week."
Senior Nate Alibozek got the start for the 'Canes and gave up three earned runs over three innings of work. Junior Connor Tworig followed with a three-run inning of his own before Bird came in and pitched two scoreless innings to allow Hoosac to get back in the game. Liam Nolan gave up a pair of runs for Taconic (5-2) in the first inning, but followed with four consecutive scoreless frames after that. Phillips relieved Nolan in the sixth inning, and was the eventual winner even though he allowed all four of the Hurricanes' runs in the sixth frame.
Seniors Aaron Solari and Zach Larabee each had two hits for Hoosac, while junior Corey Meczywor chipped in with two RBI in the game.
The 'Canes next host Wahconah for a 4 p.m. game on Tuesday.