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BOX SCORE

YAPHANK, NY (www.oldwestburypanthers.com) – The SUNY College at Old Westbury baseball team earned a 4-0 combined shutout season opening victory over the Plattsburgh State Cardinals Friday afternoon at Baseball Heaven in Rod Stephan's debut as Panther skipper. OW's win over preseason ranked No. 25 Plattsburgh State marked Old Westbury's first season opening win since 2003.

Newcomer Anthony Orsano produced the first hit of the season for Old Westbury with a two out single up the middle in the first inning. OW's got on the board first in the third inning when Melvin Simmons lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive home Blake Barbeito from third. Orsano followed with a single to knock home Kevin Cohen to put Old Westbury ahead 2-0 at the end of three innings.

Old Westbury tacked on a pair of runs in the fourth inning when Cohen drew a bases loaded walk to score Benjamin Farias. Steven Henriquez scored OW's fourth and final run in the very next at bat when Joseph Guido slapped the ball to shortstop to cap the offense.

Anthony Orsano went 3-for-4 with three signles and Chris DeGennaro banged out a pair of singles, going 2-for-4. Josef Schaetzle belted OW's lone extra base hit, doubling to left field in the fifth inning. Melvin Simmons hit 1-fo-3 at the place and stole OW's only base on the day.

Anthony Presto led Plattsburgh State at the plate with a 2-for-4 day. Damien Tyler clubbed a double in going 1-for-4 while Donny Coolidge and Danny Roeser each registered a stolen base.

Corey Murphy picked up the season opening win for OW, going eight shutout innings on five hit baseball with one strikeout and handed out just one free pass in his debut. Reigning Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Year worked a hitless ninth inning to preserve the win.

ITHACA BOMBERS UP NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS: The Panthers return to the field for a non-conference battle on Saturday (Mar. 5) with the Ithaca Bombers in Yaphank, New York. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. from Baseball Heaven.

For the latest news on the Panthers, log on to www.oldwestburypanthers.com – the official site for Old Westbury athletics. Also, become a follower of the Panthers on Twitter (OWZONE) and Facebook (Old Westbury Panthers)