SCRANTON, Pa. - Despite racking up nine hits and eight walks, No. 12/15 Penn State Harrisburg left a costly 11 runners on base in a narrow 4-3 loss at Scranton on Sunday afternoon, April 6.


Alexander Ruiz was 3-for-3 on the day, while Demetre Koutras had a multi-hit outing that included a double. Blaine Waltimyer homered and Carlos Irizarry walked three times. Bradyn Eckert threw four innings, allowing three runs, while Danny Eden made a relief appearance and allowed just one run on three hits in four innings of work.


The Lions (21-5-1) struck first right off the bat when Waltimyer hit a home run to lead off the top of the first but Scranton (11-9) answered back in the bottom of the second, using a pair of singles and a double to score two runs and take the lead for the first time.


A hit by pitch and triple allowed the Royals to tack on another run in the third but Penn State Harrisburg responded by cutting the deficit in half when Matthew Johansen singled to center field and drove in Ruiz with two away in the top of the fourth. 


From there, the Lions struggled to plate the tying run, stranding a runner in scoring position in the fifth and seventh stanzas. Scranton added another insurance run in the bottom of the eighth and it proved the difference, as Penn State Harrisburg loaded the bases in the ninth but managed to push just one run across, leaving them loaded to end the game. 


NOTABLES
- The loss snapped Penn State Harrisburg's recent six-game win streak. 
- Sunday's run total was the team's lowest of the season.
- Ruiz finished 3-for-3 with with a walk and a run scored.
- Koutras went 2-for-4 with a double, a sac fly and an RBI.
- Waltimyer hit his third home run of the season. 
- Henn worked three walks, while Drew Sassaman walked twice. 
- Eckert allowed three runs on four hits in four innings of work.
- Eden threw four innings of relief, surrendering just one run on three hits. 


WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions return to conference play when they host United East foe Saint Elizabeth on Tuesday afternoon.


STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.