SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The IUP baseball team secured their first conference win this afternoon with a doubleheader sweep over Slippery Rock and recorded their first shutout of the season in game two. 

With today's results, IUP is now 6-17 on the season and 2-4 in conference play.

Game 1

IUP began the first inning going 4-for-4 at the plate. Ricardo Aponte led off with a single to left field and advanced to second on an error. Mitchell Grosch singled to center field and then Mike Huber's single to shortstop brought in Aponte for the first run of the day. Elijah Dunn homered to left field which drove in three more runs to put IUP ahead 4-0. IUP finished the inning with three outs.

In the second and third innings, both Aponte and Dunn singled and stole second, but were left stranded on base.

Slippery Rock scored four runs in the fourth inning on five hits which tied the game.

Huber singled through the left side in the fifth inning followed by Dunn's single. He advanced to second on the throw and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Cayden Bender drew a walk with two outs on the board which put runners on first and third. Slippery Rock made a pitching change. Peyton Johnson reached on a fielder's choice, but Bender was tagged out at second to end the inning.

Mike Huber hit the game-winning home run in the top of the seventh to give IUP their first conference win of the season and knock off Slippery Rock who were undefeated in conference action.

Game 2

After a two-hour rain delay, IUP quickly got back to action. In the second inning, they loaded the bases with two singles and a walk. Teague Hoover grounded out to second, allowing Cayden Bender to score the first run. Au'sean Owens then drew a walk and Mitchell Grosch was hit by a pitch which sent Peyton Johnson to score. IUP managed to get a two-run lead although they left the bases loaded. 

Dunn scored IUP's third run after he drew a walk, advanced from a wild pitch, and scored when Johnson singled to left field. IUP's final two runs came in the top of the seventh inning. Aponte led off with a home run to left field while Grosch singled, stole second, and scored when Bender singled. 

IUP capped off the game with their first shutout of the season, stranding two Slippery Rock runners on base.

Up Next

IUP returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, March 29 at home with a doubleheader against Slippery Rock set to begin at 1:00 p.m.

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