Baseball Captures PSUAC Championship
Penn State Greater Allegheny won its third one run game in as many days, defeating Penn State Brandywine 3-2 to earn the PSUAC tournament championship. The title marks the first for head coach Jim Chester.
The game remained scoreless through the first 3 innings, with Junior starting pitcher Ted Fricke (Carrick) dancing his way through multiple jams. In the GA half of the 4th inning, the offense finally got going. Freshman shortstop Scott Dierdorf (Hopewell) earned a lead-off walk, which was followed by Freshman first baseman Adam Wehr (Northwestern) knocking a two-run blast to left field. Sophomore third baseman Robbie Shartle (Meadville) followed Wehr's homerun with a double, and then was knocked in by Sophomore left fielder Matt Bradburn (Baldwin).
Penn State Brandywine brought the score to within 1, after scoring a run in both the 5th and 6th inning. After a scoreless Greater Allegheny bottom of the 6th, Freshman pitcher Dan Laird (Steel Valley) was able to strike out the Brandywine lead-off man. After a hit, an error, and an intentional walk loaded the bases, Laird bared down and forced an infield fly for the second out. The final out would then be recorded on ground out to third baseman Scott Dierdorf, who stepped on the bag to bring home the PSUAC crown.
Ted Fricke earned the win for Greater Allegheny on the mound, giving up 2 runs on just 3 hits, while striking out 9 through 5 innings. Dan Laird pitched the final 2 frames to seal the deal. Adam Wehr led the bats for GA with 2 hits, including a huge 2-run homer in the bottom of the 4th inning. Matt Bradburn also added a hit, and knocked in the eventual game-winning run.
Penn State Greater Allegheny now sets its sights to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where it will travel for the USCAA National Championship.
Greater Allegheny is now 28-10-1 overall 18-1 in the PSUAC.