MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The New England College Baseball team drops two games (5-3, 3-0) to Salem State University to close out their spring training trip at the Ripken Experience, Tuesday afternoon.

THE BASICS
Score: Salem State Univ. 5, New England College 3 (Game One)
Salem State Univ. 3, New England College 0 (Game Two)

Records: Pilgrims (4-4, 0-0 NECC) | Vikings (5-2, 0-0 MASAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
Game One – Salem State Univ. 5, New England College 3

Salem State's bats were hot from the first pitch of the game, as they were able to plate three runs on four hits in the top of the first inning. The Pilgrims responded in the bottom of the first, as Harutaro Takahashi scored on a Connor Morin sac fly, while Brady Philibotte crossed the plate on the double off the bat of Michael Ciccotelli. Philibotte tied the game for NEC in the bottom of the second, as he drove in Devin Parsons with an RBI single to center field.

Salem State regained the lead in the top of the fourth, as Christian Burt laced a single to plate a pair of runs.

Despite having multiple scoring chances, the Pilgrims could not cut into the deficit.

Game Two – Salem State Univ. 3, New England College 0
It was a pitcher duel in the opening few innings, as neither team could generate anything offensively. Salem State ended the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth, as Zachary Piroh laced a single to center, scoring Christian Burt from second on the play.

The Vikings got another run in the bottom of the fifth, as Burt singled home Jake Boucher with his hit going up the middle of the infield. After Salem State added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, the Pilgrims could not get any offense together in the top of the seventh.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• NEC left 12 runners on base in game one.
• Salem State leads the all-time series, 13-0.

UP NEXT

• NEC vs. Plymouth State, Saturday, March 19, 12:00 pm
• SSU vs. Mt. Aloysius, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thursday, March 17, 9:00 am