Springfield, Mass. – April 11, 2011 – The Springfield College baseball team fell to cross-town rival Western New England, 17-7, on a picture perfect Monday afternoon at Trelease Park in non-conference action.

The Golden Bears moved their record to 23-7 while the Pride fell to 9-16. WNEC matched its season high with 18 hits and with the temperature in the low 70s, the balls were flying all over Trelease Park as the two teams combined for 31 hits.

Western New England scored six runs in both the second and fourth innings to take an early 13-4 lead. Every player in the Golden Bears’ starting lineup had at least one hit, scored a run, and reached base twice.

Senior center-fielder Andrew Fatse, senior third baseman Tony Trubia, and sophomore right-fielder Casey Dadio each collected three hits and combined to score seven runs with six RBI. Senior designated hitter Ryan Dudzinski and sophomore second baseman Mike Rubino each contributed a pair of hits, runs scored, and runs-batted-in.

Senior Zach Cloft pitched six innings to gain his fourth victory of the season in five decisions. He allowed eight hits, four runs (two earned) and walked one.

Springfield’s pitchers struggled giving up 10 walks and hitting two batters.

Senior center-fielder John Schmaltz and freshman catcher Sean Smith had three hits apiece for the Pride. Schmaltz also doubled, scored a run, and had a RBI. Smith scored two runs and knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Junior shortstop Mike Corletta had two hits, including a RBI single that gave the Pride a 1-0 lead in the second. Junior designated hitter Karl Quist also singled twice and scored the first run of the game.

Freshman James Christensen (1-2) took the loss.

Springfield will return to conference play on Tuesday afternoon when it hosts Wheaton College for a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) clash at 3:30 pm.