INDIANA, Pa. — IUP and California (Pa.) opened a crucial PSAC series Friday at Dougherty Field, with the Crimson Hawks sweeping the Vulcans behind strong starting pitching and timely hitting.

IUP won Game 1, 12-3, and followed with a 4-2 victory in Game 2.

In Game 1, IUP started slowly before a four-run fourth inning gave the Crimson Hawks a 4-2 lead. Five more runs in the fifth and three in the sixth put the game out of reach.

Derrick Shields threw a complete game, striking out seven and earning his fifth win of the season.

Teague Hoover and David Kessler led the offense, each hitting home runs and combining to drive in seven of IUP's 12 runs. Senior Erik Rhodes also drove in two runs and added an extra-base hit.

In Game 2, California took the lead in the top of the third inning off Cameron Copple, but IUP answered in the bottom half to tie the game.

Two runs in the fifth gave the Crimson Hawks the lead for good. Ricardo Aponte drove in one with a triple, and Yaniel Heredia followed with an RBI single for the final 4-2 margin.

Aponte finished 2-for-3 with two extra-base hits, while sophomore Camden Rhude continued his strong stretch with two RBIs.

Copple earned his fourth win of the season, and Christian Wilkinson picked up his first save.

IUP continues the series Saturday at EQT Park in Washington, Pa. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.