Fayette Shutout in Doubleheader at Penn State Hazleton

April 21, 2012

DRIFTON, Pa. – Penn State Fayette baseball managed 12 hits over two games at Penn State Hazleton but failed to score a run as they fell to the Lions 1-0 before losing 5-0 in a rain-shortened game two at the Drifton Baseball Complex on Saturday afternoon in Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference action.

Senior Sam Beucher (Connellsville, Pa.) went six innings, surrendering one run on four hits, but took the loss in the first game pitcher's duel. The teams combined for only 11 hits before Hazleton opened up the scoring in game two.

Fayette (10-19, 5-11 PSUAC) couldn't give Beucher any support though, managing seven hits but no runs in game one. Game two was much of the same for the Fayette bats, as five hits were scattered over six innings, before the game was called in the bottom of the sixth due to heavy rains.

GAME ONE: Penn State Hazleton 1, Penn State Fayette 0

Beucher was strong in the first game, striking out four over six innings. Fayette threatened early, but not often as Hazleton's starter Kent Shick was equally impressive, scattering seven hits over seven innings for the shutout.

Fayette did not advance a runner beyond second base through five innings, but had runners at second in both the first and second innings, but did not get the hits needed to score, stranding three base runners in the first two innings.

Hazleton (10-8, 10-8 PSUAC) scored in the second, as a lead-off double by Zach Anderson was followed with a sacrifice bunt. Beucher then allowed an RBI groundout before escaping the inning.

Hazleton would only threaten again in the fourth, as another double by Anderson and a Fayette error left runners at first and second for the Lions. Beucher got a groundout and flyout to escape the jam, and Hazleton would have only one other base runner in the game.

The Roaring Lions got a single by Beucher to lead-off the sixth, and after a strikeout, junior Nolan Zavora (Charleroi, Pa.) grounded into a fielder's choice. With two outs, Zavora stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Anderson, but sophomore Connor McKeel (Upper St. Clair, Pa.) flew out to deep center field to end the threat.

Anderson finished 2-for-3 with two doubles for Hazleton, and Ryan Campbell added a double for the Lions.

Seven Fayette players went 1-for-3, all singles, while striking out six times against Shick.

GAME TWO: Penn State Hazleton 5, Penn State Fayette 0 (6 innings; rain)

Fayette scattered five hits in game two, threatening on three occasions, but failing to score for freshman starting pitcher Harold McCutcheon (Claysville, Pa.) as well.

Junior Cody Ward (Connellsville, Pa.) drew a lead-off walk in the first, and sophomore Alex Fogle (Connellsville, Pa.) singled with one out to advance Ward to third, then stole second. Hazleton starter Dave Sypeck was able to get out of trouble with a strikeout and flyout, and Fayette remained scoreless.

Hazleton scored a run in the bottom of the first, as a lead-off walk came around to score on an RBI groundout. The Lions added another run in the second, as Shick led off with a single and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly to right by Cody Ryba.

Hazleton added to their lead in the fourth, chasing McCutcheon with two outs after a two-run double by Ryba. McCutcheon finished with 3 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on two hits, walking six. Ward pitched 1 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and one run on an RBI groundout in the fifth.

Fayette had a chance in the fifth—senior Jonathan Eicher (Uniontown, Pa.) singled and Ward walked. Zavora singled to load the bases with no outs, but Sypeck forced a pop-out before striking out the final two batters of the inning to preserve his shutout.

Eicher finished 2-for-3 for Fayette, including a deep fly ball out to left field that was caught by Ryba at the fence in the sixth, ending Fayette's scoring opportunities.

Fayette returns to action on Sunday, April 22 at Penn State Scranton to finish conference play.