By Kirsten Hatton Staff writer
The Susquehanna baseball team spent its spring break in the sunshine state, as the team traveled to Port Charlotte, Florida to play eight games in seven days.
The week started off on a high note, as the River Hawks swept their double-header on March 12.
In the first game of the day, freshman Bobby Grigas pitched eight shutout innings to lead Susquehanna past No. 18 ranked Marietta 10-0.
Grigas allowed only three hits and struck out seven batters.
The River Hawks scored once in the first and added two more runs in the fourth, but broke the game open with three runs in the seventh and four runs in the ninth to seal the victory.
Senior first baseman Cory Fallon led the team with a two-run home run in the fourth inning and a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
Senior right fielder Taylor Luckenbill, senior catcher Zach Leone and junior third baseman Cole Luzins each had two hits, while senior second baseman Danny Gordon scored three runs for the River Hawks.
Freshman Tyson Thrush closed the game with a shutout ninth inning to secure the victory for the River Hawks.
In game two of the double header against Denison, the River Hawks’ four-run seventh inning allowed them to break open the game to win 6-4.
Fallon doubled in the seventh along with singles from teammates Luckenbill and Gordon, and the River Hawks were able to score four runs off three errors by Denison.
Fallon pitched three strong relief innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out six batters.
Senior Liam Conboy pitched his way out of a jam in the ninth inning to earn the save and give the River Hawks two wins on the day.
On March 15, the River Hawks bounced back from two consecutive losses to collect a 6-5 victory over Amherst.
Leone started the day off with a two-run home run to put the River Hawks up 2-0.
The River Hawks added to their lead in the sixth when senior designated hitter Dylan Jenkins scored on a sacrifice fly and Fallon scored on an RBI single by sophomore center fielder Nick Berger.
Amherst scored four runs in the seventh to tie the game at four. Susquehanna responded with a run in the bottom of the seventh after a single by junior second baseman Cameron Ott, who scored on a pass ball.
In the top of the ninth, Amherst tied the game at five, forcing Susquehanna to bat again in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Fallon and freshman left fielder Justin Miller hit back-to-back doubles, but Fallon was held up at third. With one out, sophomore third baseman Ben Burman was intentionally walked.
The next batter was Berger. Berger hit the ball sharply to third but outran the double play attempt, as Fallon scored from third to win the game.
“We were able to have some guys step up and produce for us. It was good to not only get out on the field and play, but play some nationally ranked teams that helped us sharpen our skills,” Fallon said.
The team finished the week off with five wins in eight games.
A late season snow storm has affected the team’s upcoming schedule. The game against Rutgers-Camden originally scheduled for March 22 is now scheduled for Friday, March 24.
After that, they will face Scranton in a double-header on Saturday, March 25.
