READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks faced a doubleheader against Albright College on Sunday, achieving an impressive 8–3 victory in Game 1 before suffering a tough 17–3 loss in Game 2
Penn State Berks roared to an 8–3 win, with
Bryce Kelly shining bright thanks to his standout home run as part of the Nittany Lions' seven-hit showcase. Game 1 saw Penn State Berks pounce early, grabbing a 4–2 lead after a thrilling first inning.
Cade Baumgardner took one for the team by getting hit by a pitch, while
Colby Crills' single set up
Bryce Kelly for a pivotal two-RBI double.
Michael DeRichie wrapped up the explosive start with a two-RBI triple.
In the fourth inning, DeRichie smashed a solo home run, further stretching the lead.
Owen Grove reached on an error, paving the way for Baumgardner's double. Crills then delivered a clutch single, driving in two more runs to make it 7–2. Albright tried to claw back in the fifth with Sam Specht's RBI single, but the Nittany Lions held firm, leading 7–3 through five innings. The Blue & White tacked on another in the seventh.
Bryce Kelly walked, hustled to third on a fielder's choice, and scored on an error, sealing the deal at 8–3.
Cade Baumgardner showcased his versatility, scoring twice, stealing two bases, and adding two assists.
Colby Crills chipped in with two hits and two RBIs, fortifying the lineup.
Bryce Kelly's two-RBI double and two runs fueled the offense, while
Michael DeRichie dazzled with a triple, home run, three RBIs, and five assists.
On the mound,
Justin Hefner pitched 3 innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 1 hit, with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks. Despite a rocky start, Hefner settled down, maintaining a WHIP of 1.00.
Amanjeet Turka stepped up in relief, pitching 4 innings, allowing just 1 earned run with 3 strikeouts. Turka gave up 6 hits, issued 1 walk, achieved a WHIP of 1.75, and earned the save.
In the second game, Penn State Berks took a tough loss against Albright with a final score of 17–3. Despite the setback, the Nittany Lions managed to tally three runs on six hits. Albright jumped ahead with a nine-run first inning and never looked back. Kicking off in the first inning, Penn State Berks put a run on the board.
Colby Crills singled, moved to third after
Andrew Seibert's single and
Bryce Kelly's walk, and then scored on
Lucas Bacher's groundout. Albright answered with nine runs, highlighted by Tommy Lewman's two-run homer and Nathan Golden's three-RBI triple, leading 9–1 after the first.
In the third inning, Berks added a pair of runs.
Cade Baumgardner singled and reached third on Crills' walk, scoring on Kelly's single. Later,
Michael DeRichie took one for the team with the bases loaded, getting hit by a pitch to bring in Crills. Albright responded with two more runs, thanks to Anthony Knight's two-RBI double, making it 13–3. Albright tacked on four more runs in the fourth, extending their lead to 17–3.
Colby Crills contributed significantly with two runs, a hit, and a walk.
Bryce Kelly had a hit, an RBI, and a walk, demonstrating his clutch performance with runners in scoring position.
Lucas Bacher added a hit and an RBI.
Michael DeRichie drove in a run, reaching base without a hit via a walk and a hit-by-pitch.
On the mound,
Jacob Crisler started for Berks, allowing three earned runs on two hits and one walk in just 1/3 of an inning, including a home run.
Travis Loy relieved Crisler, facing five batters and giving up four earned runs on two hits and two walks in 1/3 of an inning.
John Mudri pitched 2/3 of an inning, surrendering four earned runs on five hits, including a triple and two doubles.
Steven Sepko threw an inning, allowing two earned runs, three hit batsmen, and recording two flyouts and a groundout.
Justin Fabbricatore pitched a full inning, conceding four earned runs on four hits, including a double, while striking out one.
Luke Whelan provided 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing one hit and striking out one.
Logan McMaster closed with a scoreless inning, striking out one and retiring all three batters he faced.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will host Central Penn College on Wednesday, April 1 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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