Principia gets “Shutout” as Baseball Sweeps
The Spalding University baseball team began conference play this weekend as they welcomed Principia to town for a 3 game set. Game 1 was played Friday night and the Golden Eagles turned in one of their best performances of the year, shutting out the Panthers 11-0. Tyler Brown was on the mound for Spalding and dominated, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 10. On the offensive side, Bryan Clemmons went 3-3 with an RBI and Steven Schanz hit his 1st homerun of the year. Three other players had at least 2 RBI, showing a complete team effort towards the win.
Games 2 and 3 took place Saturday in a doubleheader and Spalding took both games completing the 3 game sweep. In Game 2, the Golden Eagles once again shut out the Panthers behind great pitching from Jake Wardrip. Wardrip, just like Tyler Brown, turned in a complete game, 3 hit gem. Wardrip struck out 8 batters and walked none. Kyle Barbee continued his hot hitting leading the way with a 2-3 performance from the plate.
In Game 3, the Panthers finally got something going with the bats as they jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead. Taylor Reilly struggled on the mound for the Golden Eagles giving up 7 hits and 4 runs in just 2 innings of work. However, Spalding didn’t trail for long as they teed off against Principia pitching and scored 9 unanswered runs to win the game, 9-5. Jordan Messex was instrumental in the comeback going 2-3 with 2 RBI. Kyle Barbee also knocked in 2 runs on a 2-3 performance from the plate. Zach Stevenson pitched in relief of Reilly and was fantastic, shutting down the Panthers and allowing Spalding to get back in it. Stevenson pitched 5 innings, allowing no runs on 4 hits and 6 strikeouts.
Spalding is now 10-6 on the season and will be back in action on Wednesday as they welcome Hanover College to town for an afternoon doubleheader. Game 1 is scheduled for a 3pm start.
