March 4, 2009

(FLORENCE, S.C.): Clarion's baseball team played two strong games but came up just short in losing a doubleheader 2-0 and 6-4 to Francis Marion University on Wednesday March 4th. Francis Marion scored two runs in the fourth inning and that proved to be enough as FMU edged Clarion 2-0 in the opener.

Clarion pitcher Eric Panko pitched 5 strong innings and gave up only 2 runs and 4 hits while striking out 2. Brandon Slater pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief.

The Eagles were held to 2 hits, singles by Andy Petruska and Jason Krimsky.

Clarion had a four run, third inning and led 4-1 in game two. Scott Berkes and Jeremy Womer scored on Petruska's double to put Clarion ahead 2-1. Petruska and Krimsky both came around to score on FMU errors giving the Eagles a 4-1 lead.

Francis Marion scored 5 runs in the sixth and went on to win 6-4.

Chuck Roller pitched 5.1 innings, gave up 2 runs, 6 hits and struck out 11. Kirk Hays took the loss after yielding 4 runs in one-third of an inning. Brandon Slater came on to get the final out in the sixth.

Petruska had 3 hits in game two to lead the Eagles.

Clarion is now 0-4 on its Spring Trip and will play a doubleheader at St. Andrews on Thursday.