BUTLER, Pa. — Clarion fell to 10th-ranked Seton Hill in both games of a tightly contested doubleheader at Pullman Park, losing the first game 3-0 and the second 6-2.
Game 1: Seton Hill 3, Clarion 0
In the first game, Seton Hill secured the decisive lead in the sixth inning when Owen Mandler hit a solo home run, extending the Griffins' lead to 3-0. Earlier, they took advantage of a wild pitch in the first inning to score their opening run.
Clarion threatened in the fifth inning when
Elvin Robles reached base with a single and advanced to third after a stolen base and a productive groundout, but the inning ended without scoring as
Tyson Gill struck out with runners in scoring position.
Clarion's defense managed to control the Griffins' offense in key moments, including a pickoff in the fifth inning and two would-be base stealers thrown out by
Ethan McNally. In the final frame, the Golden Eagles had a chance to rally after
Derek Smail reached base on an error and McNally got on due to another error. However,
Jon Fijalkowski grounded out with two runners on, ending the game without capitalizing on Seton Hill's defensive miscues.
Elvin Robles contributed with a hit and a stolen base during the game, while
Jacob Patterson added a hit, marking one of the team's offensive highlights. On the mound,
Luke Pietrandrea pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out one, with
Aiden Hartle providing relief and striking out two batters over 1.2 innings.
Game 2: Seton Hill 6, Clarion 2
In the second game, Seton Hill's decisive sixth inning shifted the game's momentum as they capitalized on a leadoff double to ignite a three-run surge. Gage Wheaton's double and a subsequent hit-by-pitch set the stage for Michael Gregos' RBI single. A costly throwing error allowed another run to cross, and a sacrifice fly added the third, putting the Griffins firmly in control.
Clarion's offense had its highlight in the second inning when
Derek Smail delivered a two-run double to right field, scoring
Ethan Giangiulio and
Elvin Robles. However, the Golden Eagles struggled to build on their advantage.
In the seventh inning, Clarion mounted a final push as Smail drew a walk, but a double play quickly quelled the rally.
Jon Fijalkowski's two-out single kept hopes alive, but Clarion was unable to close the gap.
Ethan Giangiulio recorded one hit and scored a run, while
Elvin Robles contributed by drawing two walks and adding a run.
Derek Smail delivered a strong performance, hitting a double and driving in two runs while walking twice.
Ryan Gallagher, pitching perhaps in the final game of his college career, entered in relief and was effective, pitching 3.1 innings with five hits and two earned runs, striking out two on 54 pitches, 40 for strikes.
Isaac Schleich closed the game with 1.2 innings, surrendering two hits on 19 pitches, 14 of them strikes.
