ALBANY, NY – Penn State Harrisburg Baseball defeated Russell Sage College by a score of 9-2 in their first match-up in the NCAA Division III Albany Regional.

The Lions got off to a fast start against the host Gators, putting runs on the board in the top of the second inning. Tim Haftl kicked off the scoring by driving a single into center field that allowed two runs to score. Chris Catania drove in another run by lifting a sacrifice fly to right field. James Quici put the Lions ahead 4-0 with a double to center field that scored Haftl. Coy Schwanger then capitalized on an error, allowing Quici to score, putting Harrisburg ahead 5-0.

In the third inning, Haftl drove another single to center field, brining in a sixth run for the Lions. Russell Sage capitalized on a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning by Jayden Kennedy to pull back within four.

Harrisburg answered back in the top of the sixth inning when Quici blasted a two-run home run over the right field wall, giving the Lions an 8-2 lead. Harrisburg then added a ninth run in the top of the eighth inning, when Blaine Waltimyer drove in Catania.

The Lions’ pitching staff was outstanding, holding the Gators to two runs on nine hits while allowing only one walk. Fisher Druck led the way, earning the win after throwing 7.0 innings, allowing only two runs while striking out five. Bryant Allison and Traeton Sauder each pitched one inning, with neither allowing a hit while they each struck out two.

Harrisburg’s offense was led by Quici and Haftl who both recorded thee hits and three RBIs.

In game two of the regional Randolph-Macon College defeated Trinity College (CT) by a score of 6-5.

Penn State Harrisburg will take on Randolph-Macon on Saturday, May 16 at 2:30 PM. The two teams meet in the 2024 NCAA Regional in Middletown, PA.
 

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