INDIANA, Pa. — The IUP baseball team opened its four-game series against Lock Haven with a sweep of a Friday doubleheader, powered by four combined home runs across the two games, including a grand slam by Jonathan Simpson — his first as a Crimson Hawk.

Ricardo Aponte set the tone early in Game 2, launching the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first inning over the left-field fence for a leadoff home run.

Game 1 featured a complete-game effort from Derrick Shields, who worked through traffic but delivered enough to secure the win. Shields allowed six earned runs on 10 hits over seven innings, relying on consistent offensive support throughout.

IUP made the most of its opportunities despite being out-hit, using timely hitting to build a cushion. A two-out, three-RBI double by Erik Rhodes pushed the Crimson Hawks ahead 7-2 and proved to be the decisive blow.

Lock Haven attempted to rally, hitting two home runs in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 7-5. The Bald Eagles added another run in the seventh, but a solo home run by David Kessler helped IUP hold on for an 8-6 victory.

In Game 2, IUP again struck early. After Aponte's leadoff homer, Teague Hoover added an RBI single in the second inning to give the Crimson Hawks a 2-0 lead. Lock Haven responded with two runs in the third, tying the game on a pair of RBI doubles.

The Crimson Hawks broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs. The rally was highlighted by Simpson's grand slam, which cleared the left-field fence with ease and put the game out of reach.

IUP out-hit Lock Haven 10-9 in the nightcap. Christian Wilkinson earned the win in relief, tossing two hitless innings without allowing a run.

With the sweep, the Crimson Hawks carry momentum into the remainder of the series. IUP will travel to Lock Haven on Saturday to complete the four-game set, with first pitch of Game 1 scheduled for 1 p.m.