The Alfred State baseball team made it three straight victories as they raced out to an early lead and withstood a late rally to down Elmira 10-9 on Tuesday evening at historic Dunn Field. The Pioneers improve to 4-8 on the season.

The Pioneers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when Tim Holler (Brewster) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Connor Pingitore (Amsterdam/Broadalbin-Perth) added a RBI single to left one batter later.

In the 3rd, Alfred State scored six more runs to make it 8-0. Ryan Santiago (Staten Island/HS of Telecommunications) got it started with a RBI single to left, Santiago and Amaury Samalot (Churchville Chili) scored on a throwing error, and Josh Laurie (LeRoy), Matteo Avallone (Mahopac/Bridgton Academy), and Pingitore all hit RBI singles.

Elmira cut into the lead with a pair of runs in the 3rd, but the Pioneers scored single runs in the 6th and 7th to make it 10-2. Santiago hit a double and scored on a throwing error in the 6th and Holler collected a RBI single to right center in the 7th.

Elmira made a huge comeback in the 8th. They scored six times to cut the lead to 10-8 and had the bases loaded with no outs. Connor Hong (Gates Chili) got a pop fly to right and Jack Henby (Hornell) was able to throw out a runner at the plate to stop the big rally. Elmira didn't go away as they scored another in the 9th but Christopher Mattoon (Elmira) was able to strikeout the final batter with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the game.

Pingitore led the Pioneers 12-hit attack with a 3 for 5, 2 RBI day. Holler was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI, Santiago was 2 for 4 with a RBI, and Brody Burdett (Scottsdale, AZ) was 2 for 5. On top of the 12 hits the blue & gold drew eight walks.

Nick Serce (Irondeqouit) earned the win on the mound with five innings of work. He allowed three hits and two runs while walking six and striking out eight. Mattoon came out of the pen in the 9th and got the final three outs to register his second save.

The Pioneers have a few days off before heading to Pitt Greensburg this Saturday for a 1 p.m. AMCC doubleheader with the Bobcats.