361 days since the last time any Alfred State athletic team took the field, the Pioneer baseball team traveled to Wells College on Thursday to open up their 2021 season. Fueled by a five-run 5th inning the Pioneers earned the 9-2 victory over the Express.

Josh Laurie (LeRoy) plated the first run of the season when he drove in Jack Henby (Hornell) with a two-out triple in the 3rd. Jesse Kabat (Seneca Falls/Mynderse) made 2-0 with a RBI grounder in the 4th.

The Express tied it up in the bottom of the 4th when Ian Crawford connected on a two-out, two-run double to right center.

Alfred State took the lead for good in the 5th. Henby started the scoring with a RBI single. Matteo Avallone (Mahopac) followed with a RBI walk, Justin LoTemple (Greece Athena) followed with a two-run single, and Kabat capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to left. 

LoTemple and Nick Serce (Irondequoit) added insurance runs in the 7th when they hit back-to-back homers.

LoTemple led the Pioneers with a 3 for 4, 3 RBI day while Henby finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored.

AJ Gartland (Irondequoit) allowed just four hits and two unearned runs in six solid innings of work. He walked two and struck out 10. Connor Hong (Gates Chili) allowed one hit and struck out one in two innings of relief and Ryan Demitrovic (Churchville Chili) struck out three in the 9th.

Wells was held just five hits on the day, four doubles.

The Pioneers are right back on the diamond tomorrow at Noon when they travel to the Kerr Pegula Athletic Complex at Houghton College to battle the Highlanders.