Hanover, MD- The Penn St. Berks Baseball Team opened United East play when they traveled to face Notre Dame of Maryland University in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15. The Lions earned a dominant 13-0 victory in the opener before dropping a heartbreaking game two by a score of 7-6.
 
The Lions (3-10 Overall, 1-1 UE) wasted no time, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Landon Eyster led off the game by drawing a walk and Andrew Seibert then singled up the middle to put runners on the corners. After Berks loaded the bases, a wild pitch allowed Eyster to score the games first run. Logan Ewert then hit a sharp ground ball that allowed a second run to score.
 
Berks struck again in the third inning. Eyster led off the inning with a single and then stole second to put a runner in scoring position. Seibert then singled to center field, once again putting runners on the corners. Isaiah Dull crushed a triple into the right center field gap, allowing both runners on base to score. Ewert brought in Dull with a ground ball, making the score 5-0. The Lions quickly reloaded the bases for Cade Baumgardner who reached on a throwing error that allowed two more runs to score.
 
While the Lions offense was racking up runs, starting pitcher Parker Zook was in complete control of the Gators (3-6 Overall, 1-1 UE). Zook pitched all 7.0 innings, allowing no runs on four hits while striking out 10 NDMU batters.
 
The Blue & White continued to pile on runs in the top of the fifth inning. With runners on second and third base, Baumgardner drove a single through the left side, allowing both runners on base to score. Later in the inning, Seibert singled and then a throwing error allowed two runners on base to score. Berks tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh inning, to hold a 13-0 lead, earning the mercy rule victory.
 
Seibert had a great offensive performance, going 4-5 with three runs scored. Dull finished the game 2-2, blasting a double and a triple to go along with two RBIs. Ewert and Baumgardner each added two RBIs in the game.
 
The Lions reset for game two and once again jumped out to a big early lead. Berks had runners on the corners in the top of the second inning, and Baumgardner blasted a double into left field, allowing both runners to score.
 
Berks added on to their advantage in the top of the third inning. Singles by Landon Reyes and Seibert and a walk by Dull loaded the bases with one out in the inning. Nicolas Buchman drove a single in left field plating two more runs. Nick Hardesty kept the rally going, with another single into left field that made the score 5-0.
 
NDMU fought back, scoring four runs over the next four innings to close back within one run.  Reyes pushed the lead back to two, launching a solo home run over the left field fence in to lead off the seventh inning. The Gators would not go away, eventually tying the score at six going into the ninth inning. Berks would get two runners in scoring position in the final inning but could not score a run. NDMU recorded a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the 7-6 comeback victory.
 
Reyes led the offense in game two, going 3-3 with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI. Baumgardner also had a strong outing, going 2-4 with a double and two RBIs. Buchman also recorded two RBIs going 1-3 with two walks. On the mound, starter Jacob Crisler threw 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four.
 
WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will hold their home opener when they host Muhlenberg College on Wednesday, March 19. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with Penn St. Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.