Big Bats, Klena's Gem Lead Baseball to PSUAC Title

State College, Pa- After falling 3-0 in the first game, the Greater Allegheny (28-15, 19-3 PSUAC) bats combined with sophomore right-hander Matt Klena (Glenshaw, PA/Shaler) to defeat Penn College 10-1, clinching the program's second PSUAC Tournament championship in the last three years.

GA was unable to capitalize on a strong start from junior right-hander Evan James (Harrison City, PA/Western Oklahoma State) in game one, as they were shutout and held to six hits.  James (6-2) surrendered the three runs on just five hits, over his 4.2 innings of work.  He struck out seven, while walking three.

The top seed hit their stride offensively in game two, exploding for six runs in the third inning.  11 men stepped up to the plate during the outburst, which included three straight doubles- sophomore outfielder Zach Zeroski (Imperial, PA/West Allegheny) doubled in a run, senior outfielder Mike Visloski (McDonald, PA/West Allegheny) put the pair in scoring position following his two-bagger, with them both scoring on sophomore designated hitter Oliver Girman's (Monroeville, PA/Serra Catholic) first of two doubles on the game.

Despite allowing a Penn College run in the fourth, Klena was sharp in earning his fourth complete game of the season.  GA tacked on four more runs in the seventh, with Klena inducing a foul-out to first base as the title-clinching out. In picking up his third victory, Klena struck out five while walking just one, and scattered six hits.  

Visloski ended his PSUAC career with a 3-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs as well.  Girman went 2-4 with two doubles and three RBI's, while also being named the tournament's MVP.  Junior third baseman Adam Wehr (Orefield, PA/Northwestern Lehigh) collected two hits and scored a run, with sophomore catcher Clay Groff (Pittsburgh, PA/Allderdice) driving in two runs on his 2-4 day. 

With two championships already in the books- PSUAC regular season and tournament champs- Greater Allegheny sets its targets on the upcoming USCAA National Championship.  After a final tune-up against CCAC-South on Saturday, May 4, GA will host the Small College World Series beginning Monday, May 6 in Butler, PA.  Game time, opponent and seeding are all TBA.