Photos And Written By Marquis Frias, Assistant Sports Editor
The baseball team’s 13 hits weren’t enough to stop Juniata as the River Hawks dropped a midweek Landmark Conference battle 12-8 to Juniata on Wednesday at Bollinger Field.
After a slow start, Juniata (6-11 overall, 1-7 Landmark) would strike first in the 3rd inning when Zach Johnston hit a double down the right field line, scoring Charlie Bakken. The Eagles then followed up with a six-run inning in the 4th, featuring a Joey Woodrow single that scored Jace Irvin and Jackson Cunnane, making the score 7-0.
Four straight innings of offensive madness would then ensue, as Susquehanna (11-8, 4-3) was able to finally get on the board in the bottom of the frame, putting a four-spot up on the scoreboard. CJ Orrego kicked off the scoring with a single, scoring Michael Gagliardi and Tony Rossi. This was followed by two straight sacrifice outs that scored two more runs, cutting the Eagles’ lead to four.
Juniata would retaliate in the next inning with four runs of their own, including a right-field knock from Bakken that plated a pair of Eagles. In the 7th, SU would earn another run when Lucas Zachesky scored on double play. Juniata would then cap off their high scoring dominance with another double to left field Connor Meisner that scored Ethan Pfeffer. This would make the score 12-8 and seemingly put the nail in the coffin as Susquehanna couldn’t pull off the late comeback.
For Juniata, three players (Irvin, Pfeffer and Woodrow) had multiple hits. Bakken also led the team in runs, crossing home plate three times. For the River Hawks, seven players recorded a hit, with INF Jaden Buechler leading the team with three hits. SU pitcher Nate Greene ended the game with three strikeouts, allowing two hits and four earned runs in 3.2 innings pitched.
Susquehanna looks to erase their losing streak with a three-game series against Scranton this weekend. Both Saturday’s doubleheader and Sunday’s matinee will begin at noon at Bollinger Field.
