The Shippensburg University baseball team traveled to Bel Air, Md. on Sunday to take on a struggling Indiana University of Pennsylvania team. SU’s pitching and defense was showcased once again as the Raiders took Game 1, 5–2 and Game 2, 3–1.
Game 1:SU’s Pat Kregeloh took the mound in Game 1. Kregeloh allowed a first inning two-run homer to Crimson Hawk Ryan Uhl.
Kregeloh settled in though, taking control and pitching a complete game.
The senior allowed just five hits and struck out three through seven innings of work. The SU starter also helped his own cause in the bottom of the first, this time with the bat.
Kregeloh was able to bring Cal Hogan in with a single to left. This came just after a Mike Marcinko single, scoring Michael Douglas. SU scored again in the first after Cody Ezolt singled to right field, bringing in Marcinko; giving SU a 3–2 lead.
The Raiders added two more runs in the game.
The first coming from a fifth inning wild pitch thrown by IUP starter Jared Weed, scoring Douglas. The second run came in the sixth inning off a Douglas double that scored Austin Allison.
SU held on to solidify the Game 1 victory. Kregeloh picked up his first win of the season.
Game 2:Nick Massetti was not denied in his chase for perfection in Game 2.
The SU starter went a strong six innings only allowing one run. He was able to record four strikeouts and keep the Crimson Hawk batters at bay.
Massetti was backed by a strong SU defense that made several huge plays to keep IUP off of the scoreboard.
In the fifth inning Massetti had runners on second and third with only one out. He was able to force a ground out to third, cutting down the Crimson Hawk opportunity to plate a run.
The next play showcased Marcinko’s glove, as the shortstop was able to dive and stop a grounder that was sure to score at least one run.
The SU bats came alive in the fourth inning as when they drove in three runs — giving SU a lead that they would not give up.
Jimmy Spanos’ double plated the first SU run of the game and advanced Kregeloh to third. Kregeloh scored on the next at bat from Ezolt who grounded out to second. The final run of the inning came from an Allison sacrifice fly, Spanos scored on the play.
The Raiders exited the inning with a 3–1 lead.
Massetti was relieved by SU freshman Josh Kutchey. The right-hander was able to strike out the first two batters he faced, before retiring the side on a fielder’s choice. Kutchey picked up his second save of the season while Massetti improved his record to 3-0 on the season.
The Raiders improved their overall record to 7–3 after picking up two wins Sunday. The team will host a four-game series against Le Moyne College at Fairchild Field this weekend.
The first game will begin on Friday at 3 p.m. followed by a double header on Saturday with games at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Raiders finish out the weekend with a noon matchup with the Dolphins on Sunday.
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