MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's baseball team completed the season sweep of United East foe St. Mary's (Md.) with a 12-5 victory on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, to remain undefeated in conference play.
James Quici reached base five times, recording three hits, walking twice, scoring three runs and driving in another. Blaine Waltimyer reached base four times, singling three times, working a walk and scoring a run. Kaden Pasternak had a two-hit game and scored a pair of runs, while Nathan Lapp drive in two runs of his own. Jack Maguire threw four scoreless innings of relief to earn the win and Cade Baker secured his first save of the season.
The Seahawks (7-15, 3-5 United East) got off to a great start thanks to a four-run, four-hit top of the first inning that included a leadoff home run. Penn State Harrisburg (19-10, 8-0 United East) got one back in the bottom of the frame when Coy Schwanger drove in Quici with an RBI groundout before cutting the deficit to one with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third.
The Lions put up another crooked number in the bottom of the fourth and grabbed a lead they wouldn't relinquish when a wild pitch brought Evan Stiles across and an error allowed Quici to score with two outs. The home team created some separation with a three-run fifth that included RBI singles from Lapp and Quick, as well as a bases-loaded hit by pitch from Alexander Ruiz.
St. Mary's scored one run in the eighth but Baker came on in relief and got two quick outs to strand a runner at third base. In the bottom half, Penn State Harrisburg answered back by racking up six hits and four runs, with Zach Neeld, Lapp and Matthew Johansen registering RBI during the half inning.
Baker retired the Seahawks in order in the top of the ninth, bookending the stanza with a pair of swinging strikeouts to lock down the victory and seal the season sweep.
NOTABLES
- The Lions have won their last 24 games against St. Mary's dating back to the 2016 campaign.
- Quici finished 3-for-4 with two walks, three runs scored and an RBI.
- Waltimyer went 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
- Schwanger reached base three times, walking twice, singling once, and driving in a run and scoring another.
- Pasternak had a multi-hit outing, walking once and scoring twice.
- Maguire earned the win after throwing four scoreless innings and allowing just four hits.
- Baker secured the two-inning save, striking out three without allowing a baserunner.
WHO'S NEXT?
Penn State Harrisburg hosts Penn State Abington for a key United East doubleheader on Saturday 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.
