CORTLAND, N.Y.—The Hobart baseball team faced off against Ithaca in a non-conference clash at the Gutchess Complex today. The Statesmen led the Bombers 4-2, but Ithaca hit three homers across the fifth and sixth innings to take a 9-4 win, halting Hobart's win streak at eight games.
 
The Statesmen seized an early lead with two runs in the first inning. Junior Connor O'Neil tripled to left center, followed by junior Sean Garvin's walk, setting the stage for senior Jackson Fowle to single to right field, bringing O'Neil home. First-year Jack O'Neil then added a sacrifice fly scoring Garvin.
 
Ithaca tied the game in the fourth. Ethan Fantel's triple to right center scored Sheldon Jay Walker III, followed by a groundout from Camden Laney that brought Fantel home.
 
In the fifth, Hobart reclaimed the lead. Connor O'Neil singled and swiped second, setting up Garvin for an RBI triple. Fowle's sacrifice fly then scored Garvin, putting the Statesmen ahead 4-2.
 
However, Ithaca quickly countered. A bases loaded balk brought cut Hobart's lead to one. A walk reloaded the bases Fantel hit a grand slam to give Ithaca the lead. Laney then added a solo homer for an 8-4 lead. The Bombers (9-5) added one more in the sixth on a home run by Lucas Orlovitz.
 
Hobart loaded the bases in the top of the ninth, but couldn't push across another run.
 
Connor O'Neil led the offense with two hits, including a triple, two runs, and a stolen base. Garvin scored twice, tripled, drove in a run, and drew two walks. Fowle was 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
 
Hobart senior starting pitcher Aaron Forgues pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on four hits while striking out six. Sophomore Collin Goff and first-year Alex Spezzano combined for a scoreless seventh and eighth inning. Goff struck out two in the seventh, while Spezzano retired the Bombers in order in the eighth.
 
The Statesmen (14-6, 2-0) will head to the University of Rochester (8-6, 1-2) to take on the Yellowjackets at 3 p.m. Friday, March 27.