GAME 1 BOXSCORE
GAME 2 BOXSCORE
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (April 25, 2011) – The Kutztown University baseball team continued its push towards the playoffs as it split with in-conference rival West Chester University Monday afternoon in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchup at Serpico Stadium.
KU earned a 10-7 victory in the opener before dropping a 5-2 decision in the nightcap.
The Golden Bears (20-15 overall, 10-10 PSAC East) were blessed with some warm weather and sunshine on Monday, something they haven't been used to this spring. KU took the opening two games of the series on Friday and came out in Monday's opener aggressive at the plate, eager at the chance to earn their first series sweep of the season.
Sophomore catcher Matt Albaugh (Hatfield, PA/North Penn) put KU on the board with an RBI single in the first inning, scoring Mike Dugan (Ocean City, N.J./Ocean City). Dugan scored a game-high three runs in the opener.
KU continued its onslaught of hits in the third inning with a trio of doubles from the middle of the lineup. Dugan and fellow senior James Quigley (Bensalem, PA/Bensalem) each ripped RBI doubles down the left field line to add to the Golden Bear lead. Todd Rubendall (Collegeville, PA/Methacton) capped off the inning with an RBI double to deep left center field to give KU an early 4-0 lead.
“I thought we came out very focused,” said head baseball coach Chris Blum. “We pitched well, hit well, played well, and I knew if we finished this series winning three out of four games, we'd be in alright shape.”
Monday's opening game was a back and forth matchup with each team wanting to get the early advantage against its in-conference rival. West Chester (19-20, 9-13 PSAC East) responded in the bottom half of the third, scoring six runs off as many hits giving it a 6-4 advantage heading into the fourth.
The Golden Bears took back the lead for good the following inning off some clutch hitting from its senior third baseman. With the bases loaded and two outs, Quigley ripped a bases clearing double down the left field line to put KU back on top, 7-6. Quigley finished the day 4-for-6 at the plate with four RBIs.
“I always try to turn it on against West Chester,” Quigley said. “Personally, I really wanted to make sure we won this series; those guys are our rivals for a reason. It definitely was a fun series and it feels good that we played well against those guys.”
Quigley raised his batting average to .310 after going 6-for-12 in the series. He is second on the team in doubles (10) and RBIs (26), and third on the team in runs scored (27) and hits (40).
A key contributor in KU's opening victory was the efforts of junior reliever Dominick Ruscitti (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville-Newbaugh/Dominican College). Ruscitti threw four innings out the bullpen and allowed just three hits in his first win of the season. He allowed just one earned run and lowered his season ERA to 2.08.
In his 13 innings pitched this season, Ruscitti has allowed just three earned runs and has struck out seven batters. He has appeared in six games and is holding opposing hitters to a .261 batting average.
“We are certainly happy with what Dom was able to do for us today,” Blum said. “When he pitches well, he can be a big part of our pitching staff not only for next weekend but heading into the playoffs as well.”
Freshman Kyle Stoudt (Mertztown, PA/Brandywine Heights) also added to the KU offensive surge in the opener. Stoudt hit a solo home run over the right field fence in the sixth inning. He has two home runs this season.
The nightcap of Monday's twin bill was highlighted by a five-run fifth inning by the Golden Rams. KU manufactured two runs early on, but was unable to match WCU's output in the fifth. Five of West Chester's first six hitters reached base in the fifth, proving to be the determining factor in the nightcap.
“The way we fought back in the first game was huge for the team,” Quigley said. “The past four years, I feel we have played with a 'never say die' attitude. Even though things weren't going our way in the beginning of the year, we stuck together, took it one game at a time, and now we are right in the thick of things for playoffs.”
KU's scheduled games on Tuesday, Apr. 26 against Chestnut Hill College and Wednesday, Apr. 27 against Felician College have been cancelled. No makeup dates have been scheduled. The Golden Bears return to action as they visit Bloomsburg University on Friday, Apr. 29 for their final PSAC doubleheader of the season. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
--KU--
The Kutztown University Athletic Department would like to remind Golden Bear fans and followers there are many ways they can follow their favorite team. One can follow the Golden Bears via Facebook, SMS messages and weekly newsletters. One can also check out the photo galleries.
The Facebook page is a good opportunity for Kutztown fans to be updated through the social media. It is also a great chance for fans to show their support with comments and interaction.
Become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kutztown-University-Athletics/24879209924
SMS messages are a good way to get Kutztown news no matter where one is located. One can sign up to get news from any or every sport at Kutztown. Fans will receive final scores as well as special awards and honors earned by Golden Bear teams and student- athletes. Sign up at http://www.kubears.com/member/sms_signup.aspx.
You can also get a weekly newsletter of Kutztown highlights delivered straight to your inbox by signing up at http://www.kubears.com/subscribe.aspx
Photos are available through photo galleries from the last two years at Kutztown. Simply go to http://www.kubears.com/photo_gallery.aspx and choose which sport one would like to view. Galleries are broken down by sports, seasons and games.
The Kutztown University sports information department hopes that everyone has enjoyed all of the new ways to keep up with their favorite team. The SID department hopes people will continue to take advantage of the great resources available.
