Hey there, fellow sports lovers! Let’s dive into a classic college baseball showdown where Ithaca College put on a nail-biter against SUNY Cortland, sneaking out a 7-6 win—thanks to a walk-off *walk* at Freeman Field. Talk about winning by a margin as slim as a standard infield fly!
So, how did this whole drama unfold? The Bombers, rocking their 20th victory this season, started on a high note. In the first inning, Andrew McDermott and Ethan Fantel got things buzzing with a chain of singles, putting IC on the board early. Ethan Murley kicked things off from the mound for Ithaca, managing two solid innings of clean pitching before Danny Drotos took over. He wasn’t too shabby either, only giving up a single run in the third.
Predictably, Cortland didn’t come to lay down. They slapped two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings—resulting in a comfortable(ish) 5-1 lead. But the Bombers? They weren’t about to hit the snooze button. Bottom of the sixth pops in—with names like Fantel, Feeney, and Pugliese making their mark, slicing that Cortland lead down to a single run.
Baseball
Want to Learn More About Transferring?
Checkout our Guide to the Baseball Transfer Portal
Then, the seventh inning arrives and Cortland adds another notch, bringing it to 6-4. But when the bottom of the ninth rolled around, Ithaca was not ready to pack it up. McDonough, Fantel, and Matt Curtis all earned freebies on base, setting the stage for Collin Feeney to blast a game-tying double.
As if we weren’t entertained enough, Cortland decided to load the bases *again*, and Bam! A bases-loaded intentional walk lets Sheldon Jay Walker III waltz home for the win. And the crowd goes wild!
Let’s talk individuals—Sean Kelly got credited with the win after delivering a crucial 1.2 innings scoreless effort. That firm pitching equaled his fourth triumph this season. What a champ! Meanwhile, Cortland’s guy, Tommy Lynch, chalked up another loss, leaving him still looking for his first win.
Sneak peek into what’s next: The Bombers gear up to flex against Hobart College in an upcoming three-game series. The series starts Friday, April 25th, in Ithaca—so expect some unforgettable Senior Day fireworks. Whether you’re a current fan or jumping on the Bombers bandwagon fresh, it’s a series that’s worth catching.
And let’s keep things real—baseball might be about stats, RBIs, runs, and Ks, but sometimes it all comes down to the simplicity of committed teamwork… and occasionally, winning with a well-timed walk!
You feeling pumped? Ready to see how long Ithaca’s winning streak can last? Keep your eyes peeled for more heart-stopping moments on that diamond.
