Utica University’s baseball team is off to a strong start so far, with an 11-6-1 record and some memorable wins. 

The Pioneers just finished a three game series in Utica against Alfred University winning the first game 18-2 and the second game 9-8 in extra innings. The third game was canceled.  

Steven Sclafani, a graduate student and middle infielder, is a key player in the success for the team and has high hopes for later in the season. Sclafani said the team is hunting for the championship 

“I think that our strong start to the season will carry all the way into the playoffs,” Sclafani said. “While we have enjoyed the recent success, we are not complacent and have our sights set on playing in the Empire 8 championship game for the fourth time in the last five years. This is a talented group of guys who want it all, there is no limit to how far this team can go.” 

In a game against SUNY Poly on March 23, the Pioneers were down by three going into the bottom of the ninth when they came back and scored four runs to win the game on a two RBI hit by Sclafani.

“This team has completely bought into our identity,” he said. “We understand what it takes to win and everybody is willing to do it. That includes grinding every plate appearance, bunting, stealing bases, and just focusing on passing the torch to the next guy up. That is exactly how we came back in the ninth inning against SUNY Poly.” 

The Pioneers play a three-game series against the St. John Fisher Cardinals (11-12)  on April 12 and 13, with a double header on April 12.

For more information on the Utica Pioneers baseball team and their upcoming schedule, visit the Utica Pioneers website.