In a gripping United East Conference doubleheader, the St. Mary’s College of Maryland baseball team showcased resilience and skill, securing wins against Penn State Abington with scores of 6-5 and 7-6, elevating their season record to 4-9. The Seahawks’ determination shone through in both games, held in St. Mary’s City, MD, against the Nittany Lions, who now stand at 4-13.
Game 1: A Tight Contest
The opening game set the tone for the day, with St. Mary’s quickly taking the lead in the first inning through Ian Walters’ strategic hit, allowing Chase O’Dell to score. Despite a strong second inning from Penn State Abington, where they took a lead with four runs, St. Mary’s bounced back in the fifth. Walters, along with O’Dell and George Berbakos, played crucial roles in tying the game. The Nittany Lions briefly regained the lead in the eighth, but St. Mary’s clinched the win with O’Dell’s decisive RBI single.
O’Dell’s three hits and Walters’ two hits and four RBIs were standout performances, complemented by Tommy Brill’s seven-inning pitch and Nick Russo’s crucial one-inning play.
Game 2: Holding the Line
The second game witnessed a similar back-and-forth, with Penn State Abington initially leading in the third inning. St. Mary’s response was swift and effective, with O’Dell, Nick Malone, and Cole Tarleton driving the team’s comeback in the third inning. Additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings bolstered their lead, despite a late rally from the Nittany Lions. The Seahawks’ defense held firm, ending the game 7-6.
Tarleton’s three hits and contributions from Malone, Garrett Pullium, and Trevor Smith underscored the team’s balanced offense. Pitcher Ryder Chalk’s six-inning performance, featuring three earned runs and eight strikeouts, was pivotal, with Nick Russo, Willie Nelson, and Quinton Maris providing solid relief, securing the Seahawk’s victory.
Looking Forward
The Seahawks are set to face Marymount on March 26th at 3:30 PM in St. Mary’s City, MD, looking to build on their momentum from this crucial doubleheader victory.
