SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Golden Eagles baseball team earned their second split in as many days on Saturday, falling 8-2 to Georgian Court in their early game before posting a 4-0 shutout over West Virginia Wesleyan in the late game.
Game 1: Georgian Court 8, Clarion 2
The Golden Eagles faced a tough contest in their first game of the day, falling 8-2 to Georgian Court on Saturday. Georgian Court took charge early, seizing opportunities from errors and timely hits. Jack Greenspan's bases-clearing double in the first inning helped rack up three unearned runs, setting up a daunting six-run start. Contributions from Frankie Noviello and Oliver Santana on RBIs stretched the lead to 6-0 by the end of the first.
The second inning saw GCU's Zinny Kemahu hitting a homer to center, followed by Tomas Tamargo's RBI single, extending their lead to 8-0. Clarion found some rhythm in the fourth when
Ethan Giangiulio doubled to center and scored off
Jacob Patterson's RBI single to left, cutting the deficit to 8-1. In the sixth, Patterson homered to right, adding another run for the Golden Eagles, but the score held at 8-2 as the Lions kept their grip on the game.
Aiden Hartle started on the mound for Clarion, pitching one inning and allowing three hits and six runs, though none were earned. He struck out one and walked two.
Logan Hinds provided three innings of relief, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned), and registered two strikeouts without any walks.
Aiden Gruber maintained a clean sheet through 1 1/3 innings, with no hits or runs allowed, though he issued five walks and struck out one.
Jalen Sami wrapped up the game with 2 2/3 innings, surrendering two hits but no runs, alongside two strikeouts and no walks.
Patterson was a key offensive player, tallying three hits, a home run, and two RBIs. Zach Colangelo chipped in with two hits, including a double.
Game 2: Clarion 4, West Virginia Wesleyan 0
In their second game of the day, Clarion (4-5) enjoyed an impressive 4-0 win over West Virginia Wesleyan (0-4). The Golden Eagles' pitching staff put on a clinic, combining for a six-hit shutout and fanning seven batters over nine innings.
The action heated up in the third inning when
Ethan McNally drew a walk and hustled to third on
Tommy Smith's perfectly placed bunt single.
Tyson Gill followed with another bunt single, loading the bases. Zach Colangelo then grounded into a double play, but it was enough to bring McNally home for the opening run. The Golden Eagles led 1-0 after three.
In the sixth, the offense kicked into gear again.
Randy Carlo and
Ethan Giangiulio each singled, putting runners on second and third.
Cesar Lopez stepped up big with a triple to right, driving in both runners.
Elvin Robles capped the inning with a sacrifice fly, sending Lopez home and stretching the lead to 4-0.
The Golden Eagles' pitchers were lights out all game long.
Colin Miller notched the win, pitching 6 1/3 innings while giving up just four hits.
Ryan Gallagher and
Brandin Anderson came in to close the door, sealing the shutout. Gallagher delivered solid relief with 2 1/3 innings, striking out three while allowing two hits. Anderson was efficient, facing just one batter and securing the final out with a fly ball.
Cesar Lopez made a big impact with a triple and two RBIs.
Jacob Patterson doubled and drew a walk.
Tyson Gill chipped in with two hits.
