Kats Split with Monroe Behind Bedard’s Grand Slam

SUNY Erie Baseball earned a split in Thursday's doubleheader against Monroe CC, powered by a clutch performance in game one before falling in the nightcap.

In the opener, Zack Bedard delivered the biggest swing of the day, blasting a grand slam in the third inning to lift Erie to an 11-5 victory. The Kats broke the game open with a six-run third inning, taking advantage of patience at the plate and timely hitting to seize control.

Tony Weber earned the win on the mound, tossing six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) and striking out nine. Erie showed discipline offensively with seven walks, while Bedard finished with four RBIs. Noah LaPierre, Bedard, Kaleb Locatelli, and Tyler Pagano each recorded a hit.

Monroe threatened early, but Erie's big inning proved to be the difference as the Kats secured the win.

Game two told a different story, as Erie battled back before Monroe used a late surge to claim a 12-3 victory.

After trailing, the Kats tied the game in the seventh inning when Jim Buettner launched a two-run home run to center field. However, Monroe responded with a decisive nine-run eighth inning to pull away.

Xavier Beckstead turned in a strong start for Erie, throwing four shutout innings, while Ryan Boyle and Nolan Nobile each collected two hits at the plate. Buettner led the offense with two RBIs.

The Kats are 27-21 heading into the final week of the regular season.