MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Fairmont State (16-23, 9-11 MEC) split a doubleheader against Wheeling University (30-11, 16-4 MEC) on Sunday at Dale Miller Field, winning the first game 6-4 before falling in the second game 14-7.
Game 1: Fairmont State 6, Wheeling 4 (9 Inn.)
Reilly Bubb led off with a walk in the first inning, advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by
TJ Hughes.
Bryont Green singled up the middle to bring Bubb home, tying the game at 1-1 after the first inning.
In the second inning, Wheeling University took the lead as Gavin Millians doubled to left field, driving in Edward Mateo. Fairmont State was held scoreless in their half, leaving the score at 2-1 through two innings.
Kalayo Shaw extended the Cardinals' lead with a solo homer in the third inning. The Falcons responded with
Cameron Moore walking and later scoring on another RBI single by Green, making it 3-2 in favor of the Cardinals after three innings.
In the fifth, Wheeling University added another run on a single by Chris Alvarez. The Falcons countered when
Connor Bailey doubled and both he and Bubb scored on a two-RBI double by Green, tying the game at 4-4 through five innings.
The score remained unchanged through the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings as both teams' defenses held strong.
In the ninth inning,
Gunner Riley was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Bubb then delivered a two-run homer to left center, giving the Falcons the walk-off victory, 6-4.
Caden Goodwin took the mound for Fairmont State, delivering a solid performance over 7 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits, while striking out 2 and walking 3.
Braedon Leatherman followed in relief, pitching 1/3 of an inning, allowing 1 hit and hitting a batter.
Anthony Dixon closed the game with 1 2/3 innings of work, striking out 2 with remarkable efficiency, throwing 10 of his 11 pitches for strikes.
Reilly Bubb scored three runs and hit the game-winning home run.
Bryont Green finished with three hits, including a double, and added four RBIs while stealing two bases.
Connor Bailey recorded two hits and scored a run, with one of his hits being a double.
Game 2: Wheeling 14, Fairmont State 7
The Falcons established an early 3–0 lead in the first inning.
Reilly Bubb and
Cameron Moore reached base, setting up
TJ Hughes, who homered down the left field line, driving in three runs.
The second inning saw Wheeling University tie the game with Griffin Pickhardt's three-run homer to left center. The Falcons responded as
Connor Bailey scored on a throwing error by the pitcher, giving them a slight edge, 4-3.
In the fourth inning, the Cardinals regained control, scoring three runs on five hits, highlighted by Jalen Raysor's two-RBI single. The Falcons added a run with
Bryont Green's RBI single, but the Cardinals led 6-5.
In the sixth, Wheeling extended its lead to two with a solo home run. Fairmont State leveled the game in its half of the inning with a two-run homer by Bubb, bringing home Bailey. Going to the seventh, the game was tied at seven.
In the seventh inning, Wheeling University surged ahead, scoring seven runs on a series of hits and a throwing error. The Falcons were unable to add to their tally as the Cardinals claimed the game, 14-7.
Dylan Travinski pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing 7 earned runs on 10 hits with 3 strikeouts.
Adam Loucks followed with 1 inning, giving up 3 earned runs on 3 hits.
Isaac Van Meter surrendered 3 earned runs on 3 hits, while
Anthony Dixon closed the game with 1/3 inning pitched, throwing 8 pitches with 5 for strikes.
Bubb led the team with a strong performance, scoring twice, collecting three hits, and driving in two runs, including a home run. Hughes contributed by driving in three runs and hitting a home run. Bailey crossed the plate twice, adding a hit and a walk.
Fairmont State hits the road for one final non-conference game on Tuesday, April 21 to face California University of Pa. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. from EQT Park in Washington, Pennsylvania.
