By Gregory Maynard

The weather might have been chilly, but the bats were hot at Riccards Field as the Fitchburg State baseball team fell to UMass Boston (5-7) in a tight game, 12-9.
The Beacons of UMass Boston were benefitted by homeruns from senior second baseman Dan Walsh and senior first baseman Connor Reinfurt to lead their offensive charge. Junior outfielder Mark McCormick contributed with three hits and two runs batted in, and senior designated hitter Jose Roman Santos collected four hits in five at-bats with a stolen base. Sophomore pitcher Tom Cole was awarded the win, allowing three runs on eight hits in six innings pitched.
The Fitchburg State Falcons were led on offense by senior centerfielder Nick Rocheleau with three hits in five at-bats. Senior second baseman Brian Ware contributed offensively as well with a double and two runs batted in, and senior shortstop John Phelan had two hits and drove in two runs, respectively. Sophomore pitcher Tynan Flegg had a rough outing on the mound, letting up eight runs on eight hits in three innings to take the loss for the Falcons.
UMass Boston jumped ahead quickly, scoring three runs on three hits in the first frame including Reinfurt’s four-bagger. The second and third innings proved more of the same, highlighted with a double by McCormick that brought in Santos and sophomore shortstop Matt Consiglio. A run scored on a wild pitch in the fourth inning made the score 9-0.
But the Falcon bats finally came to life in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring eight runs on six hits. A double by Ware and singles by Phelan and senior designated hitter Dave Alexander made it a 9-8 game heading into the eighth.
Sophomore right fielder Cody Bamforth drove in senior first baseman Jeff Boice on a ground out to second in the bottom of the eighth, but it would not be enough. UMass Boston quickly pulled away, scoring 3 runs in the tops of the eighth and ninth innings to win the game 12-9.
In a non-conference matchup, the Falcons (5-7) host the Nighthawks of Newbury College (9-9) at Riccards Field on March 31 at 3:30 p.m.