The Oswego State baseball team defeated No. 20 Ithaca 4-3 in 11 innings at Laker Baseball Field on Wednesday afternoon. It was Oswego`s third win against a nationally-ranked opponent this season as the Lakers improve to 18-8 while the Bombers go to 22-8.
After escaping a tough situation in the top of the 11th, Oswego would respond with the game-winning run in the bottom of the frame. Dan Karleski reached on an errant throw by the pitcher and advanced to third. With Tyler Baker at the plate, a pitch was hit back to the mound. Karleski made his move towards home, forcing the pitcher to make a play at the plate but the junior beat the throw to win the contest.
In the top of that inning, the Bombers put runners on second and third with nobody out. Pat Brown induced a force at the plate and then a double play to avoid any damage.
Ithaca got on the board with a run in the top of the first but Oswego tied it up in the bottom half. Dan Saccocio led off with a single, stole second, and came in on a John Rauseo single.
Things remained that way until the fourth when Ithaca plated another run. Once again Oswego had an immediate answer in the bottom half, as Tim Smith led off with a single. He advanced to third when Eric Hamilton followed with a single of his own. Hamilton and Smith went on a double steal, letting Smith swipe home to knot the game.
Oswego grabbed their first lead in the bottom of the sixth. Smith led off with another single and moved to second when Hamilton was hit by a pitch. After a Justin Giller fielder's choice forced Smith out at third, Karleski doubled to bring in Hamilton.
Ithaca had a reply of its own in the top of the seventh with its third run to even things at 3-3.
Brendyn Karinchak went seven innings, allowing the three runs on 10 hits while striking out four in the no-decision. Pat Brown pitched four scoreless innings in relief to pick up the win and move to 1-1 on the season.
Oswego is back in action at 2 p.m. on Thursday with a doubleheader at Cazenovia College.
