Shippensburg University baseball went 1-2 at home this week, falling to Gannon 11-7 on Friday before splitting a Saturday doubleheader. SU lost the first game 11-3 before salvaging a 3-2 win in the nightcap.
Friday’s contest saw Gannon jump out to a 7-0 lead in the third inning, but the Raiders clawed their way back. Sophomore Evan Shoffler and freshman Lucas Ream each had two RBIs as part of the comeback, with SU tying the game at 7-7 in the sixth.
Gannon would respond immediately, getting three runs off sophomore pitcher Jacob Dennis in the seventh and adding an insurance run in the ninth. Dennis would take the loss after 4.1 innings of relief, striking out a career-high nine batters.
Eight different Raiders had a hit in the game, with Shoffler, Ream and junior Mason Morris each having two. Junior Conner Barto went 2.1 innings in his start, allowing seven runs (six earned) on five hits and four walks.
The Raiders got on the board first Saturday via an RBI single from freshman Caden Lloyd, but it was all Golden Knights from there. Gannon jumped out to an 8-1 lead by the sixth, cruising to a win from there.
Lloyd and redshirt sophomore Brady Harbach each had two hits, with Mason Morris socking a solo home run in the sixth inning. Redshirt sophomore Brady Kain took the loss in his first start of the season, allowing three unearned runs in 3.2 innings.
The final game of the series was a proper pitchers’ duel, with both starters shining in their collegiate debut.
Freshman Jonah Mayer went 5.1 innings allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, striking out six. Gannon’s Nolan Smith also allowed a pair of earned runs, going 5.1 innings in his outing.
Each team scored a run in the fourth inning, with Harbach’s double tying the game at one. Matt Smith put Gannon ahead with an RBI groundout in the sixth, but senior AJ Wenrich put the Raiders in front with a 2-run home run in the bottom of the frame, moving the score to 3-2.
Chances were limited for both teams, only combining for nine hits. Harbach had two for SU, with Shoffler and Wenrich each providing one. Junior Bryce Amos earned the win with 1.2 perfect innings of relief.
Shippensburg now sits at 4-2 on the season and will make its first road trip of 2026 next weekend.
The Raiders will head to Slippery Rock on Friday for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., before a Saturday doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.