Photos Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Thamoda Haputhanthri
The Susquehanna Baseball team produced a dominant defensive display against conference rivals Juniata, defeating the Eagles 5-2 for their first win this season at Harold Bollinger Field on Thursday.
The River Hawks would take advantage early in the first inning after junior Dylan Heyduk singled to center field, which would allow senior Michael Girardi to cross home plate to open the scoring.
Juniata would respond immediately in the top of the second when senior Matthew Quigley would steal home. A strong defensive performance from both dugouts would ensure no runs scored until the sixth inning, where the Susquehanna bats got things going.
With bases loaded, junior Michael Gagliardi would hit a single to right center field, which led to both Girardi and junior Lincoln Hower advanced to home plate. Junior Paul Daly would then hit a sac-fly to right field which allowed Gagliardi to score the River Hawk’s fourth run of the evening.
The umpire would call a balk on Juniata pitcher Tim Coleman, which led the River Hawks to increase their lead to four runs, as junior Andrew Haussmann would stroll across home plate, making the score 5-2.
Juniata would try to surmount a comeback in the late innings, as senior David Beard hit an RBI single that scored junior Zach Johnston scored. The Eagles would fail to overturn the deficit as the game ended 5-2, sealing the deal for Susquehanna’s first home win of the season.
This result served as an immense defensive performance from the River Hawks, as they responded to conceding 23 runs in the prior game.
The man in the center of the defensive showcase was none other than starting pitcher sophomore Ben Gearhart. Gearhart pitched 7 innings and only allowed three hits, one run and struck out six batters.
“Honest to goodness he did his job,” stated Coach Bowers on an impeccable performance from his starting pitcher. Gearhart would be credited with the win, to bring his record to 3-0 on the season, with junior Connor Blough receiving his first loss of the season.
Despite a slow start to the game for the Susquehanna offense, the River Hawks would record 10 hits and five runs off32 total at bats.
Gagliardi led the way in RBIs with two while Heyduk, Gagliardi, Girardi and sophomore Jaden Buechler would all share the top of the hits chart, putting up two hits each.
“Just locked in at having an approach to right center and I’m glad I’m able to produce,” Girardi said.
Susquehanna will now be on the road, as the team travels to Carlisle to face Dickinson College in a double-header before facing Gettysburg in another double-header at home on Sunday.
“We are ready to do it and get back out there and play again” Coach Bowers stated on the upcoming fixtures.
The River Hawks will be back in action on Saturday, March 21 for a double header with Dickinson College with game one starting at 12 p.m., followed by game two at 3 p.m.