The Oswego State baseball team moved to .500 in league play with a thrilling walk-off win 7-6 in a nine-inning contest with New Paltz on the road Sunday afternoon. Although the game was played at New Patlz, Oswego was the home team, which proved to be beneficial, as the contest had been moved from the Lakers` field due to playing conditions.
Eric Hamilton took advantage of Oswego batting last in the final inning, pinch-hitting with the bases loaded and just one out. With Mike McMullen standing on third after singling up the middle to reach first earlier in the inning, Hamilton drove a ball into right field to score his teammate and walk-off with a victory.
The game-winner secured a comeback victory as Oswego trailed by two runs at two different points in the game. Oswego also led by two early on, taking a 3-1 advantage in the bottom of the second.
Scott Buniak and John Rauseo led the way at the plate, both finishing with three hits and two RBI. Each had extra-base hits, with Buniak earning a double and Liner going yard.
Three Lakers finished close behind as Tim Smith, Kyle Liner and Tim Curry each collected two hits. Curry also drove in a run and scored another while Smith had a RBI and Liner crossed the plate. Liner and Curry both had an extra-base hit with both coming in the double variety.
Hamilton, McMullen and Dan Saccocio all had a hit apiece.
On the mound, Josh Martin earned the win in a relief effort, giving up just one run in 3.1 innings of work. The reliever only surrendered four hits while fanning two Hawks at the dish.
Jordan Giller finished with a no-decision in the start, going 5.2 innings. Giller also struck out two batters, scattering eight hits while allowing five runs, just three of which were earned.
Oswego will be back on the diamond at 3 p.m. on Tuesday when it hosts Cortland in the Lakers' home-opener.
