WILSON, N.C. — The Golden Eagles earned a doubleheader split on Saturday, soaring to a dominant 15-2 win over Chestnut Hill before falling 8-3 to Mansfield.
Clarion 15, Chestnut Hill 2
RECAP: The Golden Eagles racked up 15 hits and five doubles in a standout performance over the Griffins. It was an explosive first inning for Clarion, with the team scoring eight runs and setting the pace for a decisive victory.
Clarion kicked things off with authority, posting an eight-run first inning. Zach Colangelo doubled to right field and advanced to third on an error, setting up Randy Carlo's RBI double. Elvin Robles contributed with a single, adding another run, while Fijalkowski's double brought in two more. Colangelo closed the inning with a three-RBI double to left field, leaving the Golden Eagles up 8-1 after one inning.
In the second inning, the Golden Eagles piled on two more runs. Fijalkowski's single to center field drove in Elvin Robles and Jacob Patterson, pushing the lead to 10-1 by the end of two innings.
The fifth inning saw the Golden Eagles continue their offensive onslaught. Carlo smashed a two-run homer, and Lopez's single brought Patterson home. Tyler Boraski chipped in with a single that drove in two additional runs, extending the lead to 15-1 by the end of the fifth.
The Griffins managed to add a run in the seventh inning due to an error, but the Golden Eagles remained in control, closing out a 15-2 win.
On the mound, Colin Miller delivered a solid start for the Golden Eagles, pitching 5 innings while allowing 6 hits and 1 run, none earned. He issued 3 walks and struck out 3 batters, effectively securing the win with a mix of ground and fly ball outs. Aiden Gruber came in for 2 innings of relief, allowing just 1 hit and 1 unearned run, with 2 walks and 5 groundouts, keeping baserunners in check and supporting the team's defensive stand.
Colangelo had a stellar 4-for-5 outing at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in three with a pair of doubles. Carlo added three hits, including a home run and a double, while collecting three RBIs and scoring twice. Fijalkowski also made a significant impact with two hits and four RBIs, including a double. Miller's strong performance on the mound helped lock in the win, as he pitched five innings, allowing just one unearned run on six hits, while striking out three.
Mansfield 8, Clarion 3
RECAP: Clarion's three runs came from a fifth-inning spark, but Mansfield's 10 hits and capitalizing on two errors made the difference.
Mansfield set the tone early, jumping ahead in the first inning with a two-RBI double by Nick Ledger and an RBI single from Evan Laredo, quickly making it 3-0.
The Mountaineers kept the pressure on in the second, as RBI singles by Kahale Burns and Slade Mictigue extended the lead to 5-0.
The Golden Eagles showed life in the fifth inning when Jacob Patterson reached on an error and Elvin Robles walked. Jon Fijalkowski then launched a three-run homer to left, closing the gap to 6-3.
In the sixth, Mansfield added another run. Billy Riggs' single and a throwing error allowed Tanner Hoffman to score, pushing the score to 7-3.
Mansfield sealed the game in the eighth with Mictigue's RBI single, bringing the final to 8-3.
Will Dean started on the mound for the Golden Eagles, pitching 2 innings and allowing 5 runs on 5 hits, with 1 strikeout and 2 hit batters. Aiden Hartle stepped in for relief, going 4 innings and giving up 2 runs, only 1 earned, on 4 hits, with 2 walks and 1 strikeout. Brandin Anderson wrapped up the game, pitching 2 innings, surrendering 1 run on 1 hit, with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts, also recording 2 wild pitches.
Jon Fijalkowski stood out with a powerful three-run homer. Robles contributed with a run scored and strong defensive play, tallying four assists at second base. Tyson Gill chipped in offensively with a hit and a stolen base.
