INDIANA, Pa. — Indiana (Pa.) rallied from a seven-run deficit in the opener and carried that momentum into the nightcap to sweep Shepherd in a PSAC baseball doubleheader Sunday.

The Crimson Hawks erased an 8-1 deficit with an explosive fifth inning to take the first game 9-8.

IUP sent 13 batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the fifth to complete the comeback. Ricardo Aponte sparked the rally with a two-run double that scored Devon Boyles and Teague Hoover. Cayden Bender followed with an RBI single before David Kessler launched a two-run home run to bring IUP within two.

The rally continued when Anthony Annichine scored on a bases-loaded walk by Erik Rhodes, and Hoover later came home on a Shepherd error to tie the game. Boyles then drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run.

Kessler led the Crimson Hawks offensively, going 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Aponte added two hits and two RBIs, while Annichine finished with two hits and an RBI. Bender scored twice and drove in a run.

Christian Wilkinson (1-0) earned the win in relief, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Nathan Porath recorded the save with a scoreless seventh inning. Starter Cameron Copple struck out seven over 4.2 innings.

IUP carried the momentum into the second game and completed the sweep with another strong performance at the plate and on the mound.

The Crimson Hawks produced timely hits throughout the nightcap while the pitching staff limited Shepherd's scoring opportunities. IUP's offense continued to apply pressure with multiple baserunners, and the bullpen preserved the lead late to secure the second victory.