CORTLAND, N.Y. — Cortland took an early 3-0 lead and didn't look back in a 7-2 win over the University of Rochester Yellowjackets in a non-conference baseball matchup Tuesday afternoon.
 
Cortland improved its record to 14-7-1 with the win while holding Rochester to just two runs on seven hits.
 
The Red Dragons broke through in the second inning. After a pair of walks and a fielder's choice put runners on base, senior Danny Jackson (Lagrangeville/Arlington) delivered the big swing, launching a three-run homer down the right field line to give Cortland a 3-0 lead.
 
Cortland added to its advantage in the fifth inning. Senior Lucas Granger (Horseheads) singled and moved into scoring position before junior Tristan Gatchalian (Manorville/Eastport-South Manor) and junior Nolan Smith (Hamburg) worked walks to load the bases. Freshman Anthony Carlo (North Bellmore/St. Anthony's) followed with an RBI single, and sophomore Jack McFerran (Selkirk/Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk) lifted a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 5-0.
 
Rochester got on the board in the sixth inning, taking advantage of a wild pitch to score a run and cut the deficit to 5-1. Cortland, however, responded in the sixth with two more runs to put the game out of reach. Senior Trey McGowan (Blue Point/Bayport-Blue Point) singled and advanced to third on consecutive wild pitches, and both he and Granger later scored on a two-run single by Smith to push the lead to 7-1. The Yellowjackets added another run in the eighth on an RBI groundout by Jake Bentivenga to make it 7-2.
 
Granger paced the Red Dragons offensively, reaching base four times with a single and three walks while scoring a run. Gatchalian added two walks and scored once, while Smith finished with a hit and two RBI. McGowan and Jackson each recorded two hits, with Jackson driving in three runs on his homer. Carlo also chipped in with an RBI single.
 
On the mound, junior Joe Yovino (Levittown/Division Avenue) started and pitched four scoreless innings while striking out three and only giving up three hits and a walk. He combined with a trio of relievers to limit Rochester to two runs. Junior Aaron Knuutila (Lockport), senior Tommy Lynch (West Seneca/Canisius), and senior Xander Payne (Medina) helped close out the game only allowing two runs on four hits combined.
 
Rochester (8-11) was led by Carlos Barajas, who went 3-for-4 with a double, while Logan Mathias added two hits.
 
Cortland will be back in action this weekend with a 3-game home series against SUNYAC opponent Canton.