ALFRED, NY - The Alfred University baseball team hosted the series opener against Utica University on Friday evening. 

Thomas Makela (Cocoa, FL / Cocoa) made a strong start for the Saxons, throwing 5.1 innings, racking up five strikeouts, and allowing just one free pass. Alex Beaird (Oswego, IL / Oswego) and Luke Dubben (Cherry Valley, NY Cherry Valley-Springfield) both made relief appearances for Alfred University, combining for 3.2 innings and five strikeouts.

The Saxons got their scoring started in the third inning. Following two singles off the bats of Brayden Bedingfield (Seabrook, TX / Clear Falls) and Jack Grider (Stafford, VA Brooke Point), and a wild pitch that advanced them into scoring position, Samuel Almonte (Lake Worth, FL / Santaluces) sent a line drive into centerfield for a single, scoring Bedingfield and holding Grider up at third. Grider later crossed the plate following a Zachary Haggarty (Hollywood, FL / Dr. Michael Krop) ground ball, leaving the Saxons with a one-run deficit. 

Alfred University took the lead in the fourth inning after Bedingfield sent a rocket down the left field line for a double and scored Will Timpano (Orillia, ON, Canada / Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School), who reached second following a walk and a ground ball. Bedingfield advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and later scored on an Ashton Colunio (Elmira, NY / Edison) single up the middle.

Saxons Nolan Pridmore (Toronto, ON, Canada / Etobicoke Collegiate Institute) was a warrior in the match-up, taking two pitches off the body, and giving Alfred University the upper hand on the base paths.

Alfred University's efforts were held short as they would later fall to the Pioneers by a score of 11-4.

The Saxons will be back in action for the final two games of the series against Utica University on Saturday, April 4th, for a doubleheader. The first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm at Galanis Stadium.