Baseball: Late-inning collapse allows Bobcats to scratch a split with Bison

Drew VonScio, Student Assistant for Athletic Communications 

BETHANY, W.Va. – Looking to rebound after yesterday's conference doubleheader against St. Vincent, the Bison hosted Pitt-Greensburg in non-conference action. Bethany came from behind in the opening game to win 4-3 before blowing a late lead to drop game two 11-9.

The Bobcats struck for a run in each of the second and third innings to start the action before adding one in the top of the fifth. Bethany then rallied to put up four runs in the bottom of the inning and never looked back.

Grant Schaffner got the Green and White on the board with a single to right field, scoring CJ Owens before a sacrifice fly from Alec Berg drove in Colton Stoneman. Derek Black followed it up with a single to right that plated Colin Thomas, and the Bison picked up their go-ahead run via a single to center from Nick Roell that allowed Schaffner to come home.

Mark Lavezza got the nod on the hill for Bethany and threw 5.2 innings while giving up three runs (two earned). Despite giving up 10 hits, the senior starter set down three Bobcats and avoided free passes. Zach Nolf came on for the final four outs to pick up his fourth save of the season to hold on for a 4-3 win. Nolf is now tied for third all-time in Bethany baseball history for career saves.

As for game two, the Green and White struck first with a Berg single to right center that allowed Roell to cross the plate. Pitt-Greensburg then took the lead in the top of the third with a pair of runs.

The Bison came back swinging as Berg's sac fly drove in Keith Berger before a single from Black produced another run in the form of Roell. Cory Newman then picked up an RBI of his own on a groundball to short which allowed Toothman to score. A defensive miscue from the Bobcats then allowed Black and Owens to round the bases as well.

In the top of the fourth, the visitors got a run back before the Bison responded with two more of their own. Black was hit by a pitch that scored Roell before a passed ball allowed Owens to cross the plate.

Bethany would go ahead by five just an inning later when Owens reached on a fielder's choice to score Berger. The final two innings would then prove to be costly for the hosts as seven unanswered runs led the Bobcats to victory 11-9.

Kyle D'Angela went 5.1 innings where he conceded six runs (five earned), and struck out six. Tyler McKee then conceded four runs over just 0.1 innings with only one earned before Logan Mayhle gave up another unearned run.

The stretch of home games for the Green and White continues Saturday when the Bison return to PAC play and host Waynesburg. First pitch is set for 1 p.m