In their last action of the Spring 2021 season, the Golden Eagles dropped a doubleheader at Westmoreland Community College on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles could only muster three hits in the first game and scored single runs in the first, third and sixth innings in a 14-3 loss. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack opened with a five-run first inning an added five more scores in the sixth frame on their way to a 10-hit performance.
Nine walks added more fuel to The Pack's firepower.
Senior Kyle Stotzer led the Eagles with a pair of singles in three trips to the plate, while AJ Boshears collected the only extra base hit with an RBI double in the sixth inning.
The second game was a different story, as the Eagles rapped out 11 hits and were the early aggressors grabbing a four-spot in the top of the first inning to lead 4-1 after the first inning.
A one-out double to left field by Owen Poland double brought home the first two runs, after Stotzer drew a walk and Mason Eicher laid down a bunt single. Poland and AJ Boshears—who walked---both scored on an error by the shortstop fielding an Owen Nunnally grounder.
After two complete innings the Navy and Gold held a 5-1 lead, but WCC added two runs in the third and another in the fourth to trim the lead to 5-4. Both teams plated two-run innings in the fifth.
Boshears walked to start the fifth inning followed by another Poland line drive double to left. With two runners in scoring position, Nunnally cracked a single to center to bring home Boshears while Poland advanced to third and subsequently scored on a fielder's choice.
The Golden Eagles erupted for six runs in the top of the sixth as Charlie Drumm led off with a single to left center. He moved to second on a ground out and took third on a passed ball. A single by Tyler Randles scored Drumm.
With two outs, Nunnally walked and a fielding error by the shortstop allowed Bret Clements to reach safely and scored Randles and Boshears who was hit-by-pitch. A single by Trevor Kohler brought in Nunnally followed by a safety by Justin Crowl to score Clements and the Eagles forged a 12-6 lead. Kohler came home on a fielding error by the right fielder before the side was retired and KSU Tusc led 13-6.
In the bottom half of the sixth, the first eight WCC batters reached base safely. The Wolfpack did the damage with four singles, two doubles, three walks and a hit batsman. With two outs the Eagles walked two batters and a single propelled both of them home to break a 13-13 deadlock and put the hosts up 15-13 heading to the final inning.
Stotzer led off the seventh for the Eagles with a single and Randles was walked. A double steal moved both runners up, and a throwing error by the WCC catcher allowed Stotzer to score and cut the lead to 15-14. Unfortunately, Randles was left stranded at second after two straight Eagles were called out on strikes to end the game.
Poland, Drumm and Eicher all produced two-hits in the final game, with Poland whacking two doubles to bring home three Eagles runners. Nunnally added three RBIs as well.
Bret Clements holds a Wolfpack runner close to the second base bag.
Owen Nunnally looks to first after breaking up a double play. (Photos by Rob Brindley)