Cornell Swamps Weak Nine, 14-6

Harvard left the bases loaded three times in the first four innings and was never able to match the hitting barrage of Cornell Saturday as the Big Red thrashed the Crimson nine, 14-6. The loss dropped Harvard into the second division of the Eastern Intercollegiate Baseball League.

Pitching strength, the crucial factor in almost every game this season once again told the story of Saturday's match. All five Harvard pitchers in the game were unimpressive, continually going to high counts against batters, while walking a total of 18.

Crimson Outhit

The Big Red outslugged the Crimson 17-12 in hits and 6-1 in extra-base knocks. Shortstop Bob Witkowski beat Harvard almost singlehandedly with four hits, two doubles, four RBI's and one run. Pete Watzka and Captain Ed Cott combined for seven tallies.

Harvard also had a good day at the plate as Curt Tucker singled and tripled in two at bats, Pete Varney reached first base five times, and Dan DeMichele added three safeties. The deciding factor in the game was Harvard's inability to drive in men on base.

Early Lead

Down 1-0 in the third, the Crimson took advantage of Cornell's pitching problems to pull into an early lead. Neil Hurley and Varney combined for one run, and then the rally appeared to die as John Ignacio flied to center for the second out. But starter Larry Rafalski walked three straight batters to force in one run before he struck out losing pitcher Bob Dorwart.

Cornell wrapped up the game in their next at bat when with two outs they exploded for four runs. A porous outfield allowed hits by Witkowski and Watzka to go for extra bases.

Big Red Ninth

Both squads exchanged runs until the ninth when. With the score at 9-5, Cornell unleashed four straight hits and five runs off relievers Curt Tucker and Tom Kidwell.

This afternoon, Harvard turns its attention to the Greater Boston League with a game against Northeastern. A victory today is essential if the Crimson hopes to again its tenth GBL title in 17 years. Should Harvard win today, the championship is clinched; but should they lose, the title will rest on the outcome of Wednesday's game.