On a breezy day at Shippensburg University, the SU baseball team picked up a much-needed win.

The Raiders struck early and often in a non-conference match-up against Shepherd University on Tuesday, March 29. The Raiders batted around and put up a four spot in the first inning against the Rams.

Grant Hoover began the offensive barrage, scoring Mike Marcinko, who singled and stole second base, to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead. With the bases loaded, Nick Spangler struck a base hit to left field, scoring two Raiders. Cash Gladfelter finished off the inning by launching a double down the left field line to score Dalton Hoiles.

The Raiders would score two more runs in the third inning on a Gladfelter sacrifice fly to center field that scored a run. Freshman Jack Goertzen followed with an RBI double to center field. In the sixth inning, the Raiders scored their final run when Austin Allison doubled, scoring Marcinko.

SU got a phenomenal effort on the mound by Kyle McClintock, who limited Shepherd to three runs on five hits. McClintock threw 95 pitches in his five innings of work, picking up the victory for the Raiders. The senior left-hander struck out five batters in the contest.

Josh Kutchey came in out of the bullpen to relieve McClintock and he was impressive as well, scattering a walk and a hit in two strong innings. Kutchey struck out two in his two-shutout innings.

Redshirt freshman Tyler Butcher was called upon to pitch the final two innings for the Raiders and he closed the door on the Rams. Butcher allowed a run on three hits in his two innings, with the run coming on a home run by Brandon Kirk.

Defensively, the Raiders were solid, turning three double plays, including a 6-4-3 double play that ended the game. The Raiders also worked out of two Shepherd scoring threats in the third and seventh innings.

At the plate, Marcinko shined, going 3-5 and stealing two bases. Spangler was also impressive, collecting three hits in four at-bats and driving in two runs. Hoover and Allison each picked up two hits in the Raider victory. The Raiders picked up 14 hits in the game as a team, leading the team to the 7-4 win.

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