The historically dominant Cortland Baseball Team had a slow start to their season. After being nationally ranked in preseason polls, the Red Dragons underperformed in their opening games. Going into the week of March 20th, Cortland was 7-7 and hosting their first home game and a 3-game series against conference rival Oswego.
On Tuesday, March 21st, Cortland faced Cobleskill in a roller coaster of emotions for their initial home game. After getting out to an early lead, thanks in large part to a 4-hit game from 3rd baseman Dylan Mackenzie, the game was tied going into the 9th inning following a rough outing from the bullpen. A sigh of relief came as outfielder Mitchell Kelly hit a walk-off solo home run.
The nail-biter was just what Cortland needed to get on track, as they regrouped for a 3-game weekend series against Oswego.
Friday was a two-game doubleheader, that had Cortland firing on all cylinders. Dylan Beers headlined the 7-inning contest in which he threw the 21st no-hitter in Cortland’s history finishing with 12 strikeouts in the 10-0 rout and Hunter Holliday had his first home run on the season in a pinch-hit appearance.
“I just got into a groove and rode with it, I was ready to pitch all 9 innings but a win is a win,” Beers said.
The Red Dragons didn’t miss a step in game 2. 2 sport athlete (football) Will McCarthy started game 2 and was cruising early on. He was relieved by his football teammate, freshman flamethrower, Shane Van Dam who made quick work in his 2 innings of relief. Matt Bruno headlined the offense as he had a 2-home run game, the last of which implemented the league’s new 10-run rule in conference games, resulting in a 15-4 win.
After an Off-day Saturday. Cortland kept their foot on the gas. A phenomenal outing from the bullpen and a great deal of small ball helped Cortland slowly pull away. Dylan Mackenzie and Chris Bonacci led the offense in a third straight “Mercy Rule” win.
“We just needed to find a groove,” said outfielder Matt Bruno.
The Red Dragons outscored the Lakers by a combined 35-4 score, with all three wins ending by the 10-run rule in seven innings. And look back on track to finish their season.