Annville, Pa (April 27, 2023) - Alvernia University (25-13, 15-7) scored three runs in the final three innings but it was not enough as they fell to Lebanon Valley College (22-15-1, 17-5) 5-3, in a MAC Commonwealth baseball matchup Thursday afternoon at Lebanon Valley.
Lebanon Valley tallied a five spot in the home half of the fourth to jump out to an early lead, the Golden Wolves scored two runs in the top half of the ninth inning and had the bases loaded but the Dutchmen held strong to secure the 5-3 victory in game one of the series.
After 3.5 scoreless innings the Dutchmen got on the board first with an RBI single by Andrew Miles and Ryan Murphy followed that with a two RBI double down the left field line to give LVC a 3-0 lead. Back to back RBI doubles off the bat of Pete Botbyl and Nico Santoro extended the Dutchmen lead to 5-0.
The Golden Wolves got on the board in the top of the seventh when Robert Hansen ripped an RBI double to left center to score Grant Fitzgerald and cut the LVC deficit to 5-1.
Alvernia threatened a comeback in the top of the ninth when Jason Lind and Fitzgerald walked to load the bases with nobody out, Cameron Abele then drew a walk to force in a run and make it a 5-2 ballgame. Back to back strikeouts halted Alvernia's momentum but Zach Rogacki drew a walk to force in another run, making it 5-3 LVC but the Dutchmen were able to get another strikeout to end the inning and secure the 5-3 victory.
Jake Umans started on the hill for Alvernia, allowing five runs over four innings, James Mueller came on in relief for Umans, throwing three scoreless innings, allowed only two hits and struck out three batters and Ryan Wheeler threw one scoreless inning, striking out two of the three batters he faced.
Rogacki and Fitzgerald led the Golden Wolves with two hits a piece, Rogacki, Abele and Hansen all recorded RBIs as well and Fitzgerald tallied two runs scored.
Alvernia is back in action on Saturday when they host the Dutchmen for games two and three of a crucial MAC Commonwealth series at 12:00 PM.
