Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 GAME 1        GAME 2

                (Johnstown, Pa.): Clarion opened its 2012 baseball season on Tuesday at Pitt-Johnstown and dropped two close games, 5-3, 4-3, in doubleheader action at Point Stadium in Johnstown.

                Clarion, under fifth year head coach Mike Brown, has an 0-2 record to start the season, while UPJ, who also opened its 2012 season today, stands at 2-0.

                In game one the Golden Eagles pounded out 13 hits, but left 9 runners on base in losing 5-3. Josh Beimel (Sr. Kersey) was 3 for 4 with 1 rbi, Jerico Weitzel (Sr. Rdigway)was 2 for 4  and Seth Peterson (Jr. Johnsonburg) and Jon Roncoloato (So. Meadville) were 2 for 3.

                Clarion took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth when Bill Hasson (Jr. Franklin) reached on an error, Peterson singled to center, Roncolato had an rbi single, Weitzel singled, and Beimel singled home Roncolato.

                UPJ tied the game with a run in the bottom of the fourth, then scored twice in the fifth off reliever and loser Eric Hesdon (Fr. Corsica/C-L) for a 4-2 lead. The Cats got an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth.

                Clarion scored in the bottom of the seventh when Beimel and Matt Rossi (Sr. Monroeville/Gateway) singled to open the inning. Jon Kemmer (Jr. Clarion) walked to load the bases, but Ken Morgan hit into a double play scoring the Eagles third run, and Joe Chittester (So. Ridgway) grounded out to end the game.

                In game 2 Clarion took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jerico Weitzel singled, moved to second on a fielders choice, and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

                UPJ scored three runs in the bottom of the third Drew Westover delivered a three-run homer off T.J. Anderson.

                Clarion tied  the game 3-3 with two runs in the top of the fifth. Nick Maskrey (So. Cranesville) doubled home Kasey Clinton (Jr. DuBois) who opened the inning with a single, and Maskrey came home on a sacrifice fly from Weitzel.

                UPJ scored its winning run in the bottom of the fifth when Westover delivered a sac fly to win 4-3.

                Brandon Slater started the second game and pitched two scoreless innings. Jon Roncolato followed Anderson and pitched two innings and took the loss. Clarion posted 5 hits in game two.

                Clarion is next scheduled to play at Millersville on March 9.