Hampton, Va. – Castleton played even with Apprentice through two innings but couldn't contain the Builders over the final seven as the team opened its season with a 10-6 loss on Thursday evening. 

The Spartan offense got off to a hot start, scoring in each of the first three innings and finishing the game with 11 hits to go with their six runs. Sophomore Connor Hoagland had an impressive debut for Castleton, going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI while Macyn Clifford and Ryan Zielinski each recorded two hits.

Zielinski singled to lead off the game, advanced to second on an error and moved to third on a groundout by Cameron Curler. Hoagland drove a single up the middle to give the Spartans the 1-0 lead before a double play ended the frame. 

Castleton's lead was short-lived. Each of the first four Apprentice batters reached base and two came around to score. The Builders added a pair of runs for a 4-0 advantage after one. 

The Spartans responded in the top of the second as Nate Swahn walked and Clifford singled to right field. One batter later they both came around to score on a double by sophomore Tyler Lord. Matt Pause followed with an RBI single to tie the score, 4-4. 

Senior Patrick Riley kept the Builders at bay in the second, and in the third Hoagland, singled, stole second and eventually scored on a groundout by Swahn for a 5-4 Castleton lead. 

Apprentice countered in the bottom of the frame to with three runs to put the home squad in front 7-5. The Builders added two more runs in the fourth and one in the fifth for the 10-5 advantage. 

No one scored again until the top of the ninth, when Hoagland doubled home Zielinski. 

Four different Spartans spent time on the mound. Riley went 2.0 innings giving up four earned runs, but Ethan Hanson was saddled with the loss in his one inning of action. Conner Johnson finished the game with three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out three. 

Apprentice had 15 hits on the afternoon, with four different players recording at least two. Sophomore Ryland Edwards earned the win, tossing 6.0 innings, giving up seven hits, five runs and striking out two.

Castleton returns to action tomorrow when they face Apprentice at 1 pm and then Tufts at 5 pm.