Matteo Avallone (Mahopac/Bridgton Academy) hit a monster grand slam in the 6th inning as Alfred State rallied to split a doubleheader with Skidmore at the Gene Cusic Classic in Ft. Myers, FL. The Pioneers won the nightcap 4-2 after falling 6-0 in the opener.

Heading into the 6th inning the Pioneers had been held to just one hit. Connor Pingitore (Amsterdam/Broadalbin Perth) led off the inning with a single, Justin LoTemple (Greece Athena) drew a walk, and Samuel Dickerson (Cutchogue/Mattituck) loaded the bases with a single to set up the moment for Avallone. Avallone drilled the 1-0 offering deep over the center field fence.

Jarrod Deaton (Newburgh Free Academy), who came into the game in the 5th inning, got the final three outs to finalize the victory. Deaton threw 2.1 innings of two hit relief. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two. Kaleb Smothers (Geneva, OH) went the first 4.2 and allowed four hits and two runs.

Pingitore was the lone Pioneer with multiple hits finishing 2 for 3. He had doubled down the left field line to account for the team's lone hit before the 6th.

Skidmore scored single runs in the 1st and and 3rd inning and then put together a four run 4th inning to take control of the opener. The Pioneers were held to six hits by Jay Gamboa. Pingitore was 2 for 3 to lead the Pioneers offense.

The Pioneers will continue to play in Ft. Myers (change from the original schedule) on Saturday as they will play a doubleheader with FDU - Florham. First pitch is slated for 9 a.m.