Early Runs Leads PSUGA to First Conference Win

Early Runs Leads PSUGA to First Conference Win

Lamont Furnace, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Baseball Team (4-7, 1-0) scored runs early on their way to a 4-1 victory over Penn State Fayette (1-3, 0-1) to kick off Penn State University Athletic Conference Play on Monday. PSUGA combined to collect just three hits in the game, but eight walks set up the timely hitting that was necessary to pick up the win.

The offense came early for PSUGA after Adam Jacko (North Versailles, Pa./East Allegheny) walked to lead off the game, moved to second on a sac bunt, and advanced to third on a throwing error. Zack Pollack (Cecil, Pa./Cannon-McMillan) would then step in and groundout to third allowing Jacko to come in to score the game’s first run.

PSUGA would add two more runs in the top of the second with two outs when Hunter Hughes (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) lined a 2 RBI double to center field scoring Marcos Lopez (Caglas, Puerto Rico/Ramsey) and Matt Smith (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport). PSUGA led 3-0 after an inning and a half and that was more then enough support for PSUGA starter Daniel Daly (Glassport, Pa./South Allegheny).

Daly continued his impressive start to the season going the complete seven innings allowing just one earned run while walking one and striking out seven. Daly now has 22 strikeouts on the season and is second in the PSUAC behind Penn State Fayette’s Lowell Singer. His two wins this season equals all of the wins he has accumulated in his first three years at PSUGA.

PSUGA would add an insurance run in the top of the sixth when Hughes stepped up with runners at second and third and two outs. Hughes delivered once again reaching on an error allowing Smith to score and giving PSUGA a three-run lead. That was the nail in the coffin as PSUGA sealed the deal getting a double play to end the game.

Hughes, Lopez, and Arroyo collected the three hits on the day each going 1-3 in the game. Hughes had his best game of the season so far driving in two runs and collecting his first two RBI of his collegiate career.

PSUGA is back in action on Wednesday when they go on the road to take on Westminster in a non-conference game. First pitch for Wednesday’s doubleheader action is scheduled for 2 p.m. followed by the second game at 5 p.m.