Vikings Stumble in Season Opener, Lose 8-6 to Endicott

Beverly, Mass. -- Salem State lost their season opener to Endicott College, 8-6 on Monday afternoon at North Field. The Vikings trailed 8-3 entering the ninth, but their late rally came up short as they slip to 0-1 on the year. Alex Toomey and Richard Fecteau provided most of the damage offensively, going a combined 4-for-9 with six RBI's. Toomey rapped out three hits, including a run scoring double in the first, a two-run triple in the sixth and an RBI single in the ninth. Fecteau added a two-run double in the ninth. Starter Will Twiss, suffered the loss, lasting three innings while allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits with three strikeouts. Mac Daniel Singleton added a pair of hits in his debut at shortstop.

Salem State jumped on top early with a Toomey RBI double in the first. However, Endioctt (1-0) scored three runs over the next two innings as Josh Drew hit a two-run single in the second and Anthony Serina added a sacrifice fly in the third. The Gulls increased their lead to 6-1 in the fourth as Corbin Hyde hit a two-run homer to center off releiver Cato Lacroix and Brad Rebello singled in another run. Mike Kochiss increased the lead to 7-1 with a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Toomey's double cut the deficit to 7-3 in the eighth, but Rebello added an insurance run with a run scoring triple in the eighth before Salem State scored three runs in the top of the ninth to make the final 8-6. J.J. Branch picked up the win for Endicott, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on four hits with six strikeouts. Nick Quattro pitched three innings in relief to pick up the save.

Salem State will play their home opener today against Suffolk. Game time is set for 3:30 PM.