Solari's Double Keys 'Canes Win over Crusaders
CHESHIRE, Mass. -- Senior Aaron Solari's two-run double in the sixth inning gave the Hoosac Valley baseball team the edge it needed in pulling out a back-and-forth game with St. Joe's on Friday night. The Hurricanes and Crusaders were tied 5-5 heading into the bottom of the sixth when Bob Rivard's squad put the game away by scoring three runs to earn an 8-5 win at home.After starting the season 5-5, the Hurricanes won all three of their games this week to up their record to 8-5.
Senior Collin Kilne gave Hoosac an early lead with a two-run homer in the second inning. The 'Canes then scored single runs in both the third and fourth frames to open a 4-0 lead, only to see St. Joe's (10-3) come back and tie the game with four runs in the top of the fifth. Both teams scored a run apiece in their next at-bats, setting the stage for Hoosac's big sixth inning. Kline went 2 for 3 with three RBI and a run scored to lead the Hurricane's offense, while junior Tanner Bird chipped in with two hits and a run scored as well.
Bird did well in his first varsity start, allowing one earned run and one walk in just over four innings of work. Senior Nick Burzimati got the win in relief, however, allowing one earned run over the final two and two-third innings of the game.
"Tanner pitched very well for his first varsity start," Rivard said. "The team got some timely hitting and pulled out a great win against a very good St. Joe's team. We're really coming together as a team as we begin the second half of the season."
Hoosac will put its three-game win streak on the line when it hosts rival Drury on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.