CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg traveled to Wilson College on Thursday to take on the Phoenix in an afternoon double-header matchup. Due to poor weather since returning from their Myrtle Beach Spring Training trip, the Nittany Lions had not played a game in over two weeks and the rust showed early on.
Here is how each game played out:
In game 1, the Lions struggled to get anything going offensively against a dominating performance by Wilson pitcher Megan Potter. Potter was able to go the distance in this one—allowing only two hits and striking out an impressive thirteen batters through all seven innings.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning, Wilson's Kayla Sullenberger was able to get her team into the runs column on a 2 RBI double to center field. A fielding error by second baseman Kayla Seyfert in the following at-bat allowed for a third run to cross home before recording the final out of the inning.
The Phoenix would score again in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs and runners positioned on second and third base, Jenna Knable lifted a double to left field to that brought home another two runs, extending the lead to five.
Final Score: Penn State Harrisburg 0 Wilson College 5
WP: Megan Potter (3-3) LP: Amanda Hartman (3-1)
The Penn State Harrisburg bats began to heat up in game 2, helping the team jump out to an early 3-0 lead, but ultimately it would not be enough.
Dominique Emmett led off the top of the second inning with a solo bomb to center field—her first of the season. Amanda Hartman was able to extend the Lion lead in the third inning on a 2 RBI single to center field that scored runners from second and third base.
Wilson would answer back in the bottom of the frame. With two outs and runners on second and third base, Kayla Sullenberger hit a ground ball that would turn into a fielding error by Lions shortstop Jenna Rupakus, resulting in an unearned run from third.
The Phoenix were able to grab hold of the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one out and a runner on second base, Emily DeMatteo smacked a triple to center field. In the following at-bat, a Jennifer Patton single allowed DeMatteo to finish her trip around the bases. Another single by Lindsy DeBross two at-bats later would bring home the third and final run of the inning.
The Blue and White were able to briefly regain the lead in the top of the fifth inning. With two away and a runner on third, Amanda Hartman hit a ball to Wilson shortstop Alison Shockey, but a fielding error would result, allowing the runner to score. Two at-bats later, Allison Hartman would launch an RBI single to center field, scoring a second run.
The Penn State Harrisburg lead was short-lived, however, as Alison Shockey was able to redeem herself of her error in the previous inning on an RBI single to left field. Four at-bats later, the Phoenix were able to load the bases before a Jennifer Hornberger single to left field would score two more runs.
The Lions were unable to overcome the late-inning deficit and would fall to Wilson for the second time that afternoon.
Final Score: Penn State Harrisburg 5 Wilson College 7
WP: Kayla Sullenberger (2-4) LP: Allison Hartman (2-3)
Standout Lions:
Dominique Emmett (2-4, HR, RBI, R)
Amanda Hartman (2-7, 3B, 2 RBI, R, 6.0 IP, 3 ER)
Penn State Harrisburg falls to 6-4 on the season, while Wilson College jumps to 5-7.
Up Next: The Lions will travel to Buena Vista, Virginia to take on Southern Virginia University on Saturday, March 25th. Game 1 first pitch is scheduled for 1pm.