PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The Oneonta baseball team earned a split in Sunday's doubleheader against Plattsburgh, cruising to a dominant 12-2 victory in the opener before dropping a 7-4 decision in game two.

Oneonta's offense came alive early and often in game one, erupting for 12 runs on 13 hits to back a strong outing on the mound.

The Red Dragons wasted no time getting on the board, pushing across a run in the first before breaking the game open with a six-run second inning. Key hits from Joseph Monserrat (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem Central), Zachary Rowe (Hudson, NY/Taconic Hills), Brendan Duffy (Southold, NY/Southold Jr./Sr.), and Ryan Cronin (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) fueled the rally, with Cronin delivering a two-run single as part of a four-RBI performance.  

Monserrat and Rowe each tallied three hits and two RBI, while Duffy added two doubles as part of a multi-hit day. Oneonta continued to tack on runs in the middle innings, scoring in the fourth, fifth, and seventh to put the game out of reach.  

On the mound, Matt Neglia (Smithtown, NY/Hauppauge) turned in a solid performance, going the distance with seven innings of work while allowing just two runs on seven hits and striking out three to earn the win.  

Plattsburgh managed its only runs in the fifth inning, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Oneonta secured the convincing victory.

Game two told a different story, as Plattsburgh capitalized on early offense and timely hitting to claim a 7-4 win.

After Oneonta struck first with a sacrifice fly in the opening inning, Plattsburgh responded immediately with a two-run home run from Colin Ross in the bottom half. The Cardinals added two more runs in the second to build a 4-1 lead.  

Oneonta chipped away, scoring in the third on an RBI double from Rowe and mounting a late push in the eighth. Duffy and Cronin sparked the rally with back-to-back hits, leading to two runs that cut the deficit to 5-4.  

However, Plattsburgh answered in the bottom of the inning with two insurance runs, highlighted by RBI hits from Braeden Calkins and Frankie Kowal, to regain control at 7-4.  

Sean Clinton (New City, NY/Clarkstown South) led Oneonta with two hits and two runs scored, while Duffy added a pair of hits and an RBI.  

Starting pitcher Caleb Nelson (Granville, NY/Granville Jr./Sr.) took the loss after allowing five runs over six innings, while the bullpen surrendered two more late runs.  

Oneonta next hosts New Paltz on Tuesday, April 21 at 3 p.m.