MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (10-10) fell to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (12-7) in a close contest, 5–4, after 11 innings on Tuesday at Dale Miller Field.
Fairmont State took an early lead with three unearned runs in the first inning.
Bryont Green singled to left, followed by
Cam Cole reaching on a throwing error.
Cameron Moore then reached on another error, allowing Green to score.
TJ Hughes grounded out to shortstop, bringing Cole home, and
Reilly Bubb grounded out to third base, allowing Moore to score. The Falcons led 3–0 after one inning.
Indiana narrowed the gap in the fifth inning. Carter Kirsch walked and advanced on a walk to Anthony Annichine. Ricardo Aponte also walked before Camden Rhude's single scored Kirsch. A groundout by Jake Wadell brought Annichine home, making the score 3–2 in favor of Fairmont State after five innings.
In the sixth inning, the Crimson Hawks took the lead as Michael Kramer walked, and Alex VanSickle also walked, advancing Kramer. A fielder's choice by Annichine brought Kramer in to score. Robert Carfagno walked with the bases loaded, allowing VanSickle to score. IUP led 4-3 going to the seventh.
The Falcons tied the game in the seventh inning. Green was hit by a pitch, advanced on a balk and a wild pitch, and then scored on a bases-loaded walk to Bubb. The score was 4–4 after seven innings.
After scoreless eighth, ninth, and tenth innings, Indiana took the lead in the 11th inning. Teague Hoover, pinch running for VanSickle, stole two bases and scored on a sacrifice fly by Aponte. In the bottom half, Fairmont State had runners in scoring position but were unable to bring them home as it fell by the one-run difference.
Logan Keepers delivered a solid performance, pitching 4 innings without allowing an earned run and striking out two.
Luke Emory struggled in his 1 1/3 innings, issuing five walks and giving up four earned runs.
Adam Loucks managed to keep runs off the board during his 1 2/3 innings, while
Braedon Leatherman pitched 3 innings, conceding one earned run on six hits.
Isaac Van Meter closed the game, pitching 1 inning but was tagged with the loss.
Green led the team with two hits and two runs scored. Bubb contributed two RBIs and added a stolen base.
Maddox Johnston recorded three hits and two stolen bases.
Fairmont State returns to conference play on Saturday, March 28 against Davis & Elkins at Mylan Park. The doubleheader is set to start at 1:00 p.m.
