Lynchburg, VA—Penn State Harrisburg was able to create early leads in both contests, but the bullpen was unable to contain late surges by the Lynchburg bats each time, falling to 0-2 to start the 2017 season.
Game 1
Ethan Kell got things started for the Nittany Lions in the 3rd inning with a double to right center field that plated two runs. In the following at-bat, Bret Williams was able to bring Kell home on a single to left field, building a 3-0 lead.
In the 5th inning, it Williams again who added another two runs to Penn State Harrisburg's lead when he launched a double to right center for his second hit of the game.
Mark Artley, who started for the Blue and White, was able to cruise through the first five innings of the game with relative ease, allowing a total of only four hits and no runs. It wasn't until the 6th inning that things began to go south for the ace. The results for the first four at-bats of the inning were: single, double, hit batter, and a walk. With one run already in and the bases loaded with still no outs, that was enough for Coach Ryan Bown, who opted to bring Brendan Riotto in in relief. Good small ball by Lynchburg's lineup, as well as a Riotto balk, saw Penn State Harrisburg's lead shrink to one run.
The Lions were unable to hold on to their lead in the final frame, which saw Lynchburg tie the game, and eventually win it on a walk-off single to left field.
Final Score: Penn State Harrisburg 5 Lynchburg 6
WP: Flora LP: Riotto
Standout Players:
Brett Williams: 2-4, Double, 3 RBI
Mark Artley: 5.0 IP, 2 SO, 4 ER
Game 2
Penn State Harrisburg jumped out to an early lead in the top of the 1st inning on an Ethan Kell double to center field that brought in David Klein from second base.
In the bottom of the 2nd, Lynchburg was able to briefly bring the game back to a tie on a one-out, bases-loaded walk. The played forced Bown to go to his bullpen early, Taking starter Michael De Leon out after only 1.1 innings. Brandon Riggs, who came in in relief, was able to get out of the inning without any more damage.
A four-run 3rd inning helped to build the Lions back to a 5-1 lead. Scott Angstadt was able to advance and score on a Lynchburg throwing error. Two batters later—and with two men on base—Bret Williams launched one over the left field fence, providing the Lions with their largest lead of the contest.
Things began to unwind for Penn State Harrisburg in the bottom of the 5th inning. Up 5-2, Lynchburg was able to string together a series of at-bats that led to four runs and a 6-5 lead. A balk, a wild pitch, and a throwing error aided Lynchburg in moving out on top during the frame.
Still down a run in the 7th, Lynchburg was able to get two quick outs before allowing a walk to Alex Cline. On the following at-bat, Cline was caught stealing to end the game.
Final Score: Penn State Harrisburg 5 Lynchburg 6
WP: Jake Conner LP: Cameron Michaud SV: Cody Martin
Standout Players:
Bret Williams: 1-3, HR, 3 RBI
David Klein: 1-2, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
Up Next:
Penn State Harrisburg will travel to Hampden-Sydney on Sunday, February 19th for another set of games. Game 1 first pitch is set for noon.