KUTZTOWN, PA (April 1, 2010) – Shayne Houck had an afternoon he will never forget. With the weather feeling like early July instead of April, Houck put on a Fourth-of-July-like fireworks display by slugging three home runs during Kutztown University's 13-6 victory over Bloomfield College in a non-conference baseball game Thursday afternoon. (BOXSCORE)
Houck's third blast was symbolic as it served as a reminder of Kutztown's intended destination late next month. His final dinger thumped off of the large burgundy-and-white College World Series billboard beyond the chain-linked leftfield fence and fell harmlessly on the hill. Houck finished the sun-splashed afternoon 3-for-5 with seven runs batted in.
“It was just one of those days,” Houck said. “I can't explain it. I was just looking for good pitches. I tried to put a good swing on the ball and whatever happened, happened. I was just happy to be able to help our team today.”
Kutztown improved to 18-6 overall. Bloomfield dropped to 4-19.
Houck, the reigning PSAC East Player of the Week, belted two-run home runs in the first and fourth innings for the Golden Bears. Both of his blasts were shots that left the yard over the leftfield fence in MACH-like speed. This was the second time this season Houck has hit more than one home run in the same game. He had two homers in a game at Mars Hill earlier this season. Houck leads the Golden Bears with nine round-trippers.
“I am speechless after watching what Shane did today,” Kutztown coach Chris Blum said. “Shayne is a very humble kid and it was good for him to enjoy a day like this.”
Mike Kacelowicz had two hits and a walk; including his first triple of the season in the first inning and a two-run double in fourth that gave Kutztown the lead for good, 6-5. He was on base for all of Houck's home runs. The duo perfected the celebratory high-five at home plate during the wild early innings that featured four lead changes.
Overall, Kutztown finished with 12 hits. Matt Albaugh collected a pair of hits for the Golden Bears.
However, Houck's explosion would have not been a pleasant memory had it not been for senior pitcher Mike Bucklin's clutch performance in the middle innings. Bucklin earned the winning decision by allowing one hit in 4.2 innings and striking out four batters. He entered the game with one out in the fourth inning and KU trailing, 5-4 and a pair of runners on base.
Bucklin threw one pitch and induced a double-play grounder to escape the inning. The Golden Bears scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take control.
“I was just focused on throwing strikes when I came into the game,” Bucklin said. “I wasn't expecting to get a double-play grounder on my first pitch. But that was good. I knew if I was able to limit Bloomfield in that spot then eventually our offense would score some more runs.”
It took some time for Kutztown to take control of the contest. The first three innings took 93 minutes to complete. The Golden Bears scored two runs in the fifth inning without a hit. The highlight was a perfectly executed double steal that ended with Brandon Shurr swiping home. Jacob Schnee struck out four batters in finishing the last two innings.
“Today was a beautiful day to play baseball,” Houck said. “We played a little more relaxed today but with the intensity that we needed to win. It was a lot of fun to play in weather like this.”
The weather is expected to be even better as Kutztown returns to action Friday afternoon when it hosts Washington Adventist in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
NOTE: Kutztown's scheduled home game against Lincoln (Pa.) on Monday April 5 has been postponed. Both schools are working to reschedule the game. Check www.kubears.com or call the Golden Bear hotline at 610-683-1515 for the latest schedule updates.
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