FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - The Spartans took control of their own destiny early, and got a great pitching performance from senior Dakota Aker (Schenectady, N.Y.) to earn an 8-1 victory over Skidmore on Thursday afternoon at the FSC Baseball Complex in an elimination game in the NCAA New York Regional.

Aker was strong on the mound scattering seven hits over 8.0 innings and allowing one earned run while striking out eight Thoroughbreds. Batting 1-2 in the lineup, senior David Brandt (Contoocook, N.H.) and junior Ryan Zielinski (Schenectady, N.Y.) were menaces on the bases all afternoon, combining for five runs and seven steals. Zak Mayo (Avon, Conn.) and Macy Clifford (Brookline, N.H.) each added two hits.

With the victory, Castleton improves to 34-15 and ties the program record for victories in a season, set back in 2010. Skidmore sees its season come to a close with a 30-17 mark.

Brandt got the Spartan offense going in the first inning for the second straight day when he drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the frame. The senior stole second and then scored on an error by the shortstop for a quick 1-0 lead after one.

In the third Brandt was hit by a pitch to lead off, however, he was picked of before he could steal second. Zielinski tapped a single through the right side and then stole second and third to get into scoring position for Mayo. He hit an RBI single to center, giving Castleton the 2-0 advantage.

One inning later, two of the first three batters singled to reach base. After a fielder's choice, Brandt was hit again to load the bases for Zielinski. He also hit a fielder's choice, but everyone was safe and Clifford scored the team's third run. Joe Borowski (Schenectady, N.Y.) followed with the bases-loaded RBI walk and Mayo was hit by a pitch to score the Spartans third and final run of the frame.

Skidmore finally broke through against Aker in the top of the sixth. After consecutive flyouts to start the inning, the Thoroughbreds got a single and a double to put runners on second and third. A single scored one run and Aker walked the next batter to load the bases. However, the senior came through with a strikeout to end the threat and keep Castleton up 5-1.

The Spartans made sure there would be no Skidmore comeback, tacking on three unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth to increase their lead to 8-1.

Junior Ben Schoeneberger (Vernon, Conn.) came on in relief in the top of ninth and pitched a scoreless frame, striking out one batter.

Castleton now advances to play on Friday at 3:30 p.m. The Spartans will face the loser of tonight's 7 p.m. matchup between Farmingdale St. and Ithaca.