Penn State Greater Allegheny suffered a stinging loss at the hands of top-seeded Southern Virginia by a score of 3-2.
Greater Allegheny started the game strong, and grabbed an early 2-run lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Sophomore right fielder Mike Visloski (West Allegheny) earned a lead-off walk, and then scored on a double to left center by Junior second baseman Ted Fricke (Carrick). After advancing to third on a groundout, Fricke would also come around to score when Sophomore third baseman Robbie Shartle (Meadville) belted a double to right center. Junior starting pitcher Jon Lutz (West Mifflin) was strong throughout, and held the Knights scoreless until the 5th inning. In the bottom of the 6th inning, trailing 2-1, Southern Virginia would benefit from a single and error to take a 3-2 lead. To lead off the top half of the 7th, Mike Visloski and Ted Fricke each reached on singles. After a strike out and a ground out, Robbie Shartle would fly out to left center, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base.
Ted Fricke and Freshman shortstop Dan Laird (Steel Valley) each had 2 hits, with Fricke and Robbie Shartle each recording an RBI. Jon Lutz threw 6 strong innings for GA, giving up 5 hits and striking out 3.
With the loss, Penn State Greater Allegheny will take on Robert Morris-Springfield (IL), with the game coming tomorrow at a time TBD.
