CLARION, Pa. — Clarion (13-21, 7-13 PSAC) took a decisive 10–5 victory over Gannon (15-19, 8-12 PSAC) at Memorial Stadium on Thursday, in a game that was started on April 10 but halted due to weather in the bottom of the first inning. The Golden Eagles tallied 15 hits, highlighted by a six-run fourth inning, to seal the win.
The pivotal moment occurred in the fourth inning when Clarion unleashed a six-run rally, expanding its lead to 8–1.
Alexis Valencia's single, coupled with a throwing error, allowed three runs to score, including an unearned run.
Sabi Medrano's RBI double down the right field line and
Jordy Best's RBI single to shortstop further cemented the significant lead.
With the win, Clarion pulled to within one game in the PSAC West standings of Gannon, who currently holds the fifth and final PSAC Championship playoff spot in the division. Both teams have eight games remaining on the schedule.
The game also saw its fair share of history made, with
Emily Buchleitner adding two RBIs. The senior shortstop broke the program record of 82 RBIs held by Jessica Cartia. Buchleitner already holds the program's career records for hits, games played and games started.
The Golden Eagles maintained offensive pressure throughout, with
Emily Buchleitner's RBI single in the fifth and Sophie Petrash's RBI single in the sixth adding insurance runs. The team's aggressive base running, including multiple stolen bases, kept the Golden Knights on the defensive, securing the Golden Eagles' win despite a late inning challenge from Gannon.
The Golden Knights staged a late comeback attempt in the sixth inning, narrowing the Golden Eagles' lead to 9–5. A wild pitch and a throwing error contributed to Gannon's three-run surge, creating tension going into the final innings. However, Clarion's strong early performance proved decisive in clinching the victory.
Emma Hipps delivered a complete game performance, pitching all 7.0 innings for Clarion. She allowed eight hits and five runs, three of which were earned, while striking out seven batters.
Emily Buchleitner scored two runs and drove in two RBIs while walking once.
Sabi Medrano crossed home plate twice and contributed with two hits, including a double. Hipps added two runs and two hits at the plate.
Jordy Best delivered two hits and two RBIs, also stealing a base.
