OBSERVER Photo by Lisa Monacelli. Above, Fredonia’s Colton Kuzdal attempts to slide into third base, but Southwestern’s Jed Hirliman tags out Kuzdal.

The Fredonia Hillbillies baseball team was able to take advantage of seven errors by the Southwestern Trojans as they won their Section VI CCAA Division 1 West baseball game 9-1, on Monday night, at Fredonia High School. “It is frustrating that our starting pitcher gave up only one hit through four innings, but you look up at the scoreboard and you are down 5-0,” said Southwestern coach Jared Brown. “That is what happens when you have an inexperienced, young team without any seniors. We have grown and need to continue to grow from these mistakes and turn things around.”

Fredonia (6-0, 8-3) scored four runs without getting a hit in the second inning. After Troy Lanski and Dominic Gullo walked, a passed ball sent them both into scoring position. Nick Whitfield recorded an RBI as he reached on a fielder’s choice with a bunt. Dominic Gullo then scored on a throw to second base with an attempted steal. Whitfield and Gabe Schrader both scored later in the inning when they stole third and a bad throw allowed both to score on two separate occasions. During that time frame, the top two in the order, Alec Schrader and Anthony Gullo both struck out. However, heads up baserunning allowed them to reach first base on the play as there was a dropped third strike.

“Our guys are doing the little things right,” said Fredonia head coach Vince Gullo. “They put down good bunts, get extra bases and take advantage of miscues.”

Fredonia recorded its first hit of the game and also added a run in the third inning. Dalton Gardner singled and eventually scored on an RBI groundout from Dominic Gullo. The Hillbillies added another run in the fourth inning as Gabe Schrader singled and stole second, where he would eventually score on a passed ball.

Fredonia was able to add three insurance runs in the fifth inning as they took advantage of Southwestern starter, Mitchell Pascarella being pulled from the mound. Gardner started the rally with a single where Dominic Gullo followed with a single. Pinch hitter Will Schmitt had the big hit of the inning with a two run double.

“It is nice to be able to score runs today,” Gullo stated. “Lots of people contributed with the middle and bottom of the order coming through. We probably could have scored more if we did not make mistakes of our own on the bases.”

Southwestern (3-5) continued to battle hard for the entire game as they were finally able to score a run in the sixth inning. Pascarella started with a single as he hustled to first on an infield single. Nate Johnson singled into right field to put runners on the corners. Pascarella was able to score on a wild pitch.

“Trey was effective today, but we need to do a better job of making the most for our opportunities,” Brown added. “We missed some signs that led to some runs not going on the board.”

Trey Swartz was dominant for Fredonia, pitching six innings, surrendering one run from four hits and two walks while striking out five. Gullo added, “Trey has been on a roll lately. He is pitching with a lot of confidence.” Anthony Gullo pitched a solid inning in the seventh to secure the victory.

Pascarella gave a valiant effort in defeat as he gave up five runs (one earned) from four innings of work, giving up one hit and three walks while striking out four. According to Brown, “Mitch pitched well, but we need to make the plays behind him. This is how our games have gone lately and we need to do the little things right to come out on top.” Luke Tota and Jack Brinkley also did a solid job, each pitching an inning in relief.

Gardner led the Hillbillies offense as he was the lone player on either side with a multiple hit game.

Both teams play league games today with Fredonia traveling to Mayville to play Chautauqua Lake, while Southwestern visits Cassadaga Valley.