WASHINGTON, Pa. —The Golden Eagles baseball team faced a challenging doubleheader against California (PA) on Friday, falling 7–5 in the first game and narrowly losing 4–3 in extra innings in the second game.
Despite the losses,
Randy Carlo made history by hitting a two-run double in the sixth inning of the first game, marking his 48th RBI of the season and breaking the program's single-season record previously set at 47 by Kevin Gledhill in 2004.
Game 1: California (PA) 7, Clarion 5
In the first game, Clarion scored all five of its runs in the sixth inning. The Vulcans capitalized on a four-run first inning to secure the win.
California took an early lead with Kyle Rizzo's triple down the right field line, driving in three runs, and a groundout by Cole Fleck added another run, putting Clarion behind 4–0 after one inning. The Golden Eagles remained scoreless through the first five innings, while California extended their lead with a single RBI from Collins in the third and two more runs in the fourth, including a solo home run by Chad Helwich, making it 7–0.
However, the Golden Eagles' offense ignited in the sixth.
Ethan McNally started the rally with a single, followed by a bunt single from
Tyson Gill. After Zach Colangelo was hit by a pitch,
Randy Carlo doubled to bring in two runs.
Ethan Giangiulio then singled to center, scoring two more runs, and he later scored on a fielding error, closing the gap to 7–5. Despite the comeback effort, Clarion could not add more runs in the seventh, and the Vulcans secured the victory.
Joseph Campoli had an effective outing in relief of starter
Aiden Hartle, pitching 3.0 innings, conceding three hits and one earned run, while recording three strikeouts and issuing one walk.
Game 2: California (PA) 4, Clarion 3 (9 inn.)
In the second game, the Golden Eagles took a 3–1 lead in the fourth inning.
Randy Carlo walked and advanced to third on
Ethan Giangiulio's single. Carlo scored on a throwing error, followed by Giangiulio scoring on
Jon Fijalkowski's sacrifice fly.
Elvin Robles, who had advanced to third, scored on a subsequent play, giving Clarion a two-run advantage after four innings.
California closed the gap in the seventh inning when a throwing error allowed an additional baserunner, and a single through the left side brought home two unearned runs, tying the game at 3–3. The game extended into the ninth inning, where the Vulcans secured the victory. After Charlie Nigut was hit by a pitch and stole second, Connor Evans singled to right field, driving in the winning run.
Zach Kelly delivered a solid start, pitching 5 innings while allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run, striking out 4 and walking 2.
Luke Pietrandrea provided brief but effective relief, retiring both batters he faced in 2/3 of an inning.
Colin Miller took the loss, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing 3 runs, though only 1 was earned, while striking out 3 and issuing 1 walk.
Tyson Gill contributed significantly by reaching base three times, collecting one hit, two walks, and adding a stolen base. Carlo scored one run and drew three walks, continuing to be a pivotal player for the Golden Eagles throughout the doubleheader.
