By: Matthew Gelhard, Student Assistant of Mont Alto Athletics Communications
BUTLER, Pa. - Mont Alto struck early and never looked back as they achieved a 21-2 record as they defeated Penn State Greater Allegheny 16-11. A quality start by Darian Mort (Fairfield, Pa. / Fairfield Area) and Mont Alto's offense scoring runs in eight of the nine innings played against a 3rd place PSUGA in the PSUAC West. It was the Hayden Kissel (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area) show as he a hit perfect 4-for-4, completing his first career cycle.
Penn State Mont Alto 16, Penn State Greater Allegheny 11 (F)
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Jared Pine (Mercersburg, Pa. / James Buchanan) and Chance McClure (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area) showed their table setting abilities as they both singled to create early drama in the top of the first. Kissel cleared the bases with a towering double to center field to make it 2-0, this would be two of Kissel's five RBIs on the day.
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Starting pitcher Darian Mort (Fairfield, Pa. / Fairfield Area) set the tone early with a 1-2-3 bottom of the first inning followed by a clean second inning striking out two of three batters. Mort pitched six innings only giving up two runs on seven hits.
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Mont Alto cashed in three runs via groundout, single, and sacrifice fly in the second inning to increase the lead 5-0.
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A rocky sixth inning for Mont Alto gave Greater Allegheny an opportunity to stay in the game but an RBI groundout by Jarrett Goodyear (Newville, Pa. / Big Spring) and a home run to left field by Kissel to complete his cycle put Mont Alto well in control.
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Owen McCleaf (Waynesboro, Pa. / Waynesboro Area) went 3-for-5 with three singles, scoring in the second, third, and fifth innings.
PSUMA looks to keep the momentum in their favor as they host Penn State Greater Allegheny for a pair of games at 12 and 2 p.m. to close out the season. The Nittany Lions are celebrating their three seniors for Senior Day prior to the game.
