NYACK, N.Y. - The Caldwell College baseball team's comeback fell just short as the Cougars lost to Nyack College, 11-9 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Wednesday night at Nyack High School. The Cougars dropped to 8-12 overall and 3-3 in the CACC, while the Warriors improved to 6-7, 4-2 CACC.
The Cougars jumped out to the early lead with five runs in the top of the second inning. Juniors Landon Viessy (Bayside, NY/Cardozo) and Nick Mauro (Nutley, NJ/Nutley) (pictured) started the inning with back-to-back singles, then scored on a single by freshman Americo Eaderesto (Manorville, NY/Center Moriches). Eaderesto made it 3-0 when he advanced to third on a double by sophomore Andy Chunn (Lewes, DE/Cape Henlopen), then scored on an error. With senior Mike Kolesar (New City, NY/Clarkstown North) on second and Chunn on third, senior Joe Catenacci (Helmetta, NJ/Spotswood) knocked in both runners with a single.
But the lead wouldn't last long, as Nyack scored six runs on five hits in the bottom of the second to take a 6-5 advantage. Viessy singled and later scored to tie the game in the top of the third, but again the Warriors answered with another run in the bottom of the third to regain the lead. Three more Nyack runs in the bottom of the fifth had the Cougars down 10-6.
The Cougars staged a comeback in the top of the seventh, when Kolesar led off with a double. After Catenacci walked, he and Kolesar stole second and third base, respectively, followed by an intentional walk to senior Hasani Whitfield (Briarwood, NY/Molloy). After a pop-out, Viessy walked, scoring Kolesar. Mauro then singled home Catenacci and Whitfield to make the score 10-9. The Cougars loaded the bases with one out, but Nayck's Ron Garvey recorded a strikeout and a fly ball to centerfield to end the threat.
Freshman Eric Hines (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) took the loss for the Cougars after allowing eight hits and seven runs while striking out six in 2 2/3 innings. Garvey picked up the victory for Nyack, hurling five innings of relief. Garvey also had three hits to lead the Warriors at the plate.
The Cougars return to action Thursday, Apr. 7 when they host Concordia College in a non-conference game at Smith Field. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
