By Christian De Guzman

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Spartans (6-2-0) set a season high in runs and hits to defeat the Syracuse Salt Cats (4-7-1) on Friday 10-3.

The Spartans played their first “away” game of the season, but the Salt Cats also play their home games at Onondaga Community College’s Baseball Complex. The Spartans have yet to leave Syracuse for a baseball game this season.

The Spartans started the scoring early with four runs in the top of the first inning. An RBI single from Danny Cantor, a fielder’s choice RBI from Caleb Millikan, an RBI double from Stephen Karis, and an error from the Salt Cats brought home all the runs that the Spartans needed. The four first inning runs were the most that the Spartans scored in an inning this season.

The Salt Cats responded with a run in the first on a bases-loaded walk, but the Spartan grabbed two more runs in the second inning. Grant Shepherd delivered an RBI double and Cantor hit his second RBI of the game to give the Spartans six runs. The Salt Cats grabbed a run in the second and third innings to make the score 6-3 after three innings.

After a lull in the middle of the game, the Spartans exploded for four more combined runs in the seventh and eighth innings. An error brought home a run for the Spartans in the seventh before three more runs scored in the eighth. Another Sheperd RBI and a costly error pushed across the final runs of the game. 

Jordan Dickson also set a season high for the Spartans as the first baseman went 4-5 at the plate. His four hits were the most a Spartan had this season. The Spartans pitching staff also tied a season high with 10 strikeouts.

The Spartans play their next game on Saturday, June 19 at home against the Genesee Rapids in a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is 5:05 pm. The Spartans are hosting Syracuse Challenger Baseball Night on Saturday. For tickets, email [email protected].