Late Inning Miscues Lead to 3-2 World Series Loss

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 3^rd 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 5^th inning.  In the bottom of the 6^th 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 7^th, 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.