Story by Seth Goodyear
FROSTBURG, Md. - Penn State Harrisburg dropped two Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) road games to Frostburg State on Monday, Apr. 14. The Lions were stunned in game one losing 14-3 but recovered to play a very competitive contest in game two, falling 4-3.
The Lions struggled to find traction in game one, falling behind 8-0 in the first inning. Frostburg State hit the ball extremely well racking up eight hits and two homeruns. Stunned the Blue & White's offense was unable to adjust only managing two hits in the first three innings. The Bobcats continued to extend the lead scoring four runs in the second and two in the third fueled by three more homeruns.
Penn State Harrisburg finally settled into the game in the top of the fifth inning. Junior Gabby Wolfe (New Milford, Pa/ Blue Ridge) led off the inning by crushing a pitch over the left field, for her fourth run of the season. Inspired by her effort, the Lions began to show some life. Junior Erika Love (Harrisburg, Pa/ Central Daulphin East) smoked a ball through the third baseman's legs to reach first. Sophomore Jackie Furch (Holstad, Pa/ Blue Ridge) followed that up with a double to right center putting runners on second and third. Junior Mackenzie Trafka (Middletown, Pa/ Middletown Area) singled down the right field line, scoring two runs.
Penn State Harrisburg could get no closer and fell 14-3. After for finding their stride at the end of game one, the Lions came out in game two much stronger. After a scoreless first inning, the Lions got on the board in the second frame. Sophomore Rieley Loch (Madison Township, Pa/ North Pocono) led off by smashing a ball passed the short stop for a single. Jackie Furch once again hit a deep shot to right center, this time tripling to drive in the first run of the game.
The Bobcats offense was held in check in game two by Gabby Wolfe, who grinded for every out. She worked deep into counts using every pitch at her disposal to keep Frostburg's power hitters off balance. Wolfe went five innings giving up three runs on eight hits while striking out two batters.
After Frostburg State was able to get two more runs in the bottom of the fifth, the Blue & White's offense quickly answered. With two outs, Wolfe hit a deep shot over the right fielder for a double. Loch did the rest of the work, crushing a ball over the left field fence to knot the game at three. This was Loch's fourth homerun of the season.
Penn State Harrisburg gave up a double to center in the bottom of the sixth with a runner on second to bring in a run and lost the game 4-3.
The Lions will next be in action at home on Wednesday April 16 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. against Valley Forge Christian College.