Thrilling Doubleheader Cut Short: Wheeling Baseball Battles Frostburg State in Rainy Clash – Wheeling University Athletics

Wheeling University Baseball Game Recap

The Wheeling University baseball team faced off against Fairmont State last Saturday in a doubleheader. Unfortunately, rain cut the second game short, but Wheeling still had a solid showing. They lost the first game 7-6 but managed to win two out of three games over the weekend, marking their first series victory since the season opener against Pitt-Johnstown.

In the first game, starting pitcher Sebastian Khan ran into trouble early. He allowed the first two batters to reach base but showed impressive resilience, striking out the next two to keep the game scoreless. Wheeling struggled to score in the first inning, and Fairmont State took advantage, leading 2-0 by the second inning.

Wheeling’s offense finally came alive, led by Christian Boyles, who got a leadoff single and scored after an errant pick-off throw. Chris Sauer brought Boyles in with an RBI single, narrowing the gap. Khan settled into a groove, pitching effectively for several innings.

The turning point came in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded, Jacob Lentz smashed a double that cleared the bases, giving Wheeling a 4-2 lead. But Fairmont State answered in the fifth, tying the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the fifth, Wheeling responded with an RBI double from Keaton Ference, pushing the score to 5-4. The dynamic play continued with Chris Sauer drawing an intentional walk, and Dylan Maltby’s walk brought in another run, extending their lead to 6-4.

However, the sixth inning took a turn for the worse when Fairmont State’s Tyler Haskins hit a three-run homer that put them ahead at 7-6. Despite a valiant effort in the final innings, including a two-out triple from Nicolas Ancelet, Wheeling fell short as the game ended 7-6.

Khan pitched well overall, allowing seven runs (six earned) with five strikeouts, and relief pitcher Damian Tarin held Fairmont State scoreless for two innings.

Lentz was the standout player, finishing the three-game series with a remarkable nine RBIs. Chris Sauer had a solid performance, reaching base three times with one hit and two walks.

Looking ahead, Wheeling University baseball is back in action on Tuesday, April 22, when they host IUP at 3 PM.

This weekend’s performances provide a positive outlook for the Cardinals as they continue the season, showing persistence and teamwork in the face of challenges. With players like Lentz stepping up, they have the potential to build on this momentum.

Source link