INDIANA, Pa. --The IUP Crimson Hawks split a Wednesday doubleheader with West Liberty at Dougherty Field, earning a 5-4 victory in the opener before dropping a 10-8 decision in the nightcap.
In game one, IUP used patience at the plate and timely execution to edge West Liberty. The Crimson Hawks opened the scoring in the second inning when
Anthony Annichine delivered a three RBI double following a series of walks that loaded the bases. IUP added to its lead in the fourth as
Ricardo Aponte doubled and later scored on an RBI double from
Camden Rhude to make it 4-1.
West Liberty tied the game in the fifth on a three run home run by Hunter White, but IUP responded immediately in the bottom half when
Yaniel Heredia came around to score the go ahead run on a wild pitch.
Nathan Porath earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Heredia recorded the save. IUP finished with four hits but drew eight walks and capitalized in key situations.
In game two, West Liberty used a late surge to secure a 10-8 win in a back and forth contest.
IUP built a 7-3 lead with a six run third inning highlighted by a two RBI single from
Camden Rhude, a two RBI double from
Robert Carfagno and a two RBI single from
Anthony Diodata.
West Liberty responded with a six run sixth inning, highlighted by a two run home run from Lucas Marsh, to take a 9-7 lead. The Crimson Hawks added a run in the bottom of the sixth, but West Liberty extended its lead in the seventh and closed out the win.
Carfagno led IUP with two doubles and two RBIs, while Rhude and Diodata each drove in two runs. IUP finished with 10 hits in the loss.
IUP moved to 15-14 on the season with the split. The Crimson Hawks return home Friday, April 10, for a doubleheader against Lock Haven University at Dougherty Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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