On Senior Day, the Stevenson University baseball team earned a split in its Commonwealth Conference doubleheader against Albright, dropping the opener 3-2 before rallying for a thrilling 5-4 win in game two.
Game 1 – Albright 3, Stevenson 2
The Mustangs grabbed an early lead in the second inning when Nick Griffin scored on a fielding error. After Albright evened the score in the fourth, Sam Batiancila gave Stevenson a 2-1 advantage with a solo home run to left in the fifth.
However, the Lions (12-13, 3-9 MAC) came through in the seventh with a pair of runs to secure the comeback win. Stevenson (8-21, 3-9 MAC) was unable to answer in the bottom half.
Despite the loss, the Mustangs saw solid contributions at the plate from Brandon Perillo, John Padousis, Kaige Garrity, Griffin, and Batiancila, each recording a hit. Perillo also swiped a base.
John Delgado pitched well in the loss, surrendering just five hits while striking out three and walking two. Mason Gove allowed one hit in a relief appearance during the seventh.
Game 2 – Stevenson 5, Albright 4
Trailing 4-0 after the top of the third, Stevenson mounted a dramatic comeback in the bottom half. Brady Bedway sparked the rally with an RBI double to left, scoring Batiancila. A sacrifice fly from Perillo brought in Zack Majeski, and Matt Perri followed with a two-run double to tie the game at 4-4.
Perri, one of the seniors shared what getting the win meant to him and the team. “Getting a win for senior day was huge, I think all the guys were playing with a higher purpose that day, leading to execution of plays on the field and a celebration of the seniors off the field.”
In the eighth, Graham Sears delivered the go-ahead RBI single, scoring Bedway for what proved to be the game-winning run.
Bedway finished with two hits and two runs scored, while Sears, Perri, and Batiancila also chipped in offensively.
The Mustangs bullpen came up clutch, with six pitchers combining to allow just two hits over the final six innings. Ari Lonstein earned the win (1-0), and Dhruv Indelicato locked down the save with a clean ninth.
Sommers Turner started for Stevenson, giving up seven hits and four earned runs over three innings. Connor Fox, Carl Sansbury, Matt Gordon, and Caden Dail also provided valuable relief work.
Looking ahead, the team will try to stay in the win column when they return to the mound tomorrow.
Perri shared his thoughts on what the team needs to do. “Winning must be demanded, we can’t show up to the field and try to win, winning happens in practice, in the weight room, and in all the little things that happen before gameday even arrives. If we win the little things, the big wins become fun.”
Stevenson returns to action Wednesday at Neumann.
