LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — The Penn State Berks rallied back in the ninth inning to pull out a thrilling 9-8 win over NCAA Division II foe Lock Haven University on Tuesday at Watkins Field. Capitalizing on four crucial Lock Haven errors, Berks rallied with three runs in the ninth inning to secure the victory.
Berks struck first, jumping out to an early lead.
Cade Baumgardner's walk and advancement to third on a throwing error set the stage for
Andrew Seibert's single up the middle, bringing Baumgardner home for a 1-0 lead. In the second inning,
Lucas Bacher doubled and scored on
Michael DeRichie's single, pushing the lead to 2-0.
The Bald Eagles fought back in the third, scoring twice to tie it up at 2-2 after Berks went scoreless in their half.
Berks reclaimed the lead in the fourth.
Owen Grove singled and advanced to third on a throwing error, then crossed home on DeRichie's sacrifice fly, making it 3-2. Lock Haven mirrored this with a run, knotting the score at 3-3.
In the sixth, the Nittany Lions surged ahead again. This time Carsen Brey sparked the rally with a single, and he then swiped two bases, and scored on Baumgardner's single, putting Berks up 4-3.
Berks extended their lead in the seventh.
Bryce Kelly scored on a wild pitch, followed by Brey's single and Bacher's RBI double, stretching the score to 6-3. Lock Haven answered with a run, closing the gap to 6-4. The Bald Eagles rallied in the eighth, scoring three to seize a 7-6 lead.
Berks did not flinch and began to rally back in the top of the ninth inning.
Colby Crills,
Michael Thalassinos and Bacher reached base setting the table for Baumgardner. He was hit by a pitch, scored allowing the tying run to come home. DeRichie then delievered the decisive hit, lining a single down the right field allowing two more runs to score and putting Berks ahead 9-7.
Lock Haven tried to make one more rally in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring one run and putting the tying run on second, but pitcher
Luke Whelan drew two fly balls, sealing a 9-8 triumph for the Blue & White.
Baumgardner was pivotal with two RBIs and a stolen base. DeRichie continued his awesome start to the seson by driving in four, showcasing his offensive prowess with two hits. Brey was a force on the basepaths, scoring twice and stealing two bases. Bacher chipped in with two doubles and two runs.
On the mound, Berks navigated a tough contest.
Jackson Brancato started, pitching 3 1/3 innings with six hits and three earned runs, striking out two and walking two.
Justin Fabbricatore followed with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit.
Tyler Gilbert added two innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs.
Luke Whelan closed it out, securing the win with two innings, surrendering one run on two hits and earning his first career win in the process.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks faces Albright College on Wednesday, March 11, at 3:30 p.m. ET in Reading, Pennsylvania.
FOLLOW US
Stay connected with Blue & White Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.
