KUTZTOWN, Pa - Late game heroics determined the winner for both games in Saturday's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East Division doubleheader between Kutztown and Shepherd at North Campus Field. The Golden Bears came out on top in game one scoring two runs in their final plate appearance to earn the 5-4 walkoff victory. The tables had turned in the nightcap as Shepherd came from behind in the last two innings to take the lead over the Maroon and Gold and hold on for the 7-6 win.
Game One - Kutztown 5, Shepherd 4
The Golden Bears took an early 1-0 lead, starting off the second inning with back to back doubles from Mitchell Peers (Gilbertsville, Pa./Boyertown) and Ethan Martini (Trevose, Pa./Father Judge).
Shepherd answered in the top of the third, scoring two runs on one hit in the inning, benefiting from a Golden Bear error. Kutztown suffered from defensive miscues all game, making four errors and allowing three unearned runs.
Kutztown tied the game at three in the bottom-half of the inning. Joey Pettinelli (Broomall, Pa./Marple Newtown) led the Golden Bears off with a walk, before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Pettinelli came in to score after Mike Kelly (Schwenksville, Pa./Pope John Paul II) bunted for a hit and the errant throw by the third baseman allowed both runners to advance. Jimmy Kerley (Indian Trail, N.C./Sun Valley) eventually drove Kelly in on his single through the left side of the infield, evening the game at three.
The Rams took a one run lead in the top of the seventh inning, leading off the inning with a single. Austin Ruzika-Porter came around to score on another Kutztown error.
The Golden Bears bounced back in the bottom half of the inning. The first two baserunners reached safely on a walk and single through the right side. Gavin Moretski (Harleysville, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) doubled down the left field line to drive in the lead runner and advance Kelly to third. The Rams elected to intentionally walk Antonio Rossillo (Warrington, Pa./Archbishop Wood) to load the bases for Kerley. Kerley was hit by the next pitch, bringing Kelly in to score, walking it off for the Golden Bears.
Both teams benefited from strong outings by both starting pitchers. Shepherd's starter, Nick Trabacchi, made it through six innings before being relieved in the seventh inning. Dominic Proietto (Norristown, Pa./Norristown) earned the win, throwing a complete game striking out seven batters and allowing only one earned run.
Game Two - Shepherd 7, Kutztown 6
Riding game one's momentum, the Golden Bears jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Kelly got the Bears started with a single to lead off the inning, and then came in to score the first run of the game on a single by Gavin Moretski (Harleysville, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) to left field. After being hit by a pitch, Rossillo and Moretski both came in to score on a triple to right center by Martini. Martini would be driven in by Brian Finn's (Warrington, Pa./Springside Chestnut Hill Academy) single to left field.
It would take until the third inning for Shepherd to get on the board. After retiring the first batter, the Golden Bears allowed a single to Tommy Gibson to start the Rams offense. Gino Serechia cut Kutztown's lead in half, homering to left field driving in Gibson making it a 4-2 ball game.
Neither offense would have any success until the top of the eighth when the Rams would strike again, scoring one run on two hits in the inning. After two singles to lead off the inning, Shepherd's third run came in to score on a sacrifice fly to center field.
The Golden Bears gained an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth on Finn's solo shot to left field. It was the first of his career and the highlight of his 4-for-4 effort at the plate in game two.
Shepherd retook the lead in the top of the ninth. Two Golden Bear pitchers were unable to record an out in the inning before giving up four runs on three hits and three walks in the inning. Gavin Grande (Newtown Square, Pa./Malvern Prep) eventually came on to retire three in a row but the damage had already been done and the Golden Bears trailed 7-5.
The Golden Bears drew within one in the bottom of the ninth. With one out in the inning Martini doubled down the right field line. After a fly out, Finn drove in Martini with a single to left field. He would advance to scoring position but the tying run would be left stranded on second to end the game.
Kutztown starter Zach Male (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) tossed an impressive seven innings, allowing only two runs on four hits while recording eight strikeouts. The loss would fall to Dalton Geiger (Leesport, Pa./Schuylkill Valley), moving to 0-2 on the season. Adam Miller gets credited for the win, improving to 2-0 on the season.
Both teams will be back in action tomorrow, Sunday, April 3, as the Golden Bears head to Shepherdstown, W.Va., in search of a series win. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.
