ESU Splits Doubleheader

Second baseman Jay Young’s game-winning hit enables ESU to split last Saturday’s doubleheader vs KU. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki Second baseman Jay Young’s game-winning hit enables ESU to split last Saturday’s doubleheader vs KU. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Second baseman Jay Young’s game-winning hit enables ESU to split last Saturday’s doubleheader vs KU. Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki
Second baseman Jay Young’s game-winning hit enables ESU to split last Saturday’s doubleheader vs KU.
Photo Credit / Ronald Hanaki

By Anthony Fabrikant
Staff Writer

The visiting Kutztown Golden Bears kicked off the top of the first inning with two runs scored by Alec O’Dell and Bo Rottet on a single by Zach Schram.

Kutztown never relinquished the lead, and besides a solo home run by Robert Bennie, never let ESU in the game during their 8-1 victory at Mitterling Field Saturday.

Marty Martens started for the Warriors but was not able to find his groove, pitching three and a third innings in game one.

Martens allowed five hits and three earned runs while walking two batters. He faced fourteen batters and was able to strikeout five Golden Bears.

But, Martens wasn’t the only Warriors pitcher that struggled to get comfortable on the mound as reliever Ben Bortz gave up three earned runs and walked four batters through two innings of relief.

Through three innings, it looked like ESU might vault itself back into the game.

After Bennie’s home run, the Warriors trailed 2-1 going into the fourth. But, the Golden Bears scored in every inning to end the game.

O’Dell, who went three for four at the plate, had four RBI and led Kutztown offensively.

He anchored the visiting offense and gave ESU’s pitchers fits as he reached base on his other plate appearance by drawing a walk.

Matt Swarmer threw a complete game and never let ESU into the game. Swarmer only allowed three hits and one earned run while walking four batters through seven innings.

Swarmer’s eight strikeouts demonstrated his dominance and ESU’s inability to get going throughout the game.

Game two offered a complete change of pace. The excitement began in the first inning as Kutztwon scored two quick runs in the top of the first, compliments of an O’Dell triple that knocked in Bo Rottet. That was followed by O’Dell scoring on a single by Mike Milazzo.

However, en route to a 6-5 victory, ESU responded and tied the game in the bottom of the first as Ian Allen walked, and was later brought in to score by Drew Hercik.

Robert Bennie found his way to home plate as the result of a wild pitch from Anthony Atticks.

Warriors’ starting pitcher Brandon Holup had a strong start to the game and struck-out five Kutztown batters. But, as Holup’s pitch count reached its peak, the Golden Bears earned five earned runs and seven hits.

The Warriors had just taken the lead in the bottom of the fourth after Steven Zimmerman grounded into a fielder’s choice that lead Christian Rishel to score.

Then, the Golden Bears responded in the top of the sixth while down a run.

Kutztown scored three runs to take a 5-3 lead. Kyle Rogers highlighted the explosive inning by knocking in Alec O’Dell and Brady McNab on a deep double.

Just as the Warriors answered Kutztown’s hot start in the first inning, ESU responded in the bottom of the sixth and scored three runs of their own and reclaimed a 6-5 lead.

Jay Young knocked in the tying and game-winning run on a single that scored Billy Sablinski and Steven Zimmerman.

Dan Woodley earned the win by notching a perfect one and two-thirds innings pitched for the Warriors in the sixth and the seventh.

Woodley took control and didn’t allow a hit or walk to Kutztown.

Woodley’s strong performance allowed the Warriors to split Saturday’s doubleheader and for the reliever to earn his first win of the season.

Email Anthony at:
afabrikant@live.esu.edu