Behrend Splits Doubleheader with Juniata

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend baseball team split a doubleheader with Juniata on Saturday afternoon at the Behrend Diamond.

The Lions (16-11) took game one 3-0 behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Justin Wood (Allegany, NY/Allegany Limestone). Wood and Connor Semple (Washington, PA/McGuffey) combined for the shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out five in the contest.

After five-and-a-half scoreless innings, Behrend broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Jordan Weinzierl (St. Mary's, PA/St. Mary's) led off with a walk, and Ryan Finnegan (Fombell, PA/Riverside) reached on an error. After Brian Bohman (Erie, PA/McDowell) got a bunt-hit, John Hlavinka (Venetia, PA/Peters Township) nailed a two-run single to give the Lions the lead.

Later in the frame, Brandon Bergstrom (Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny) drew a bases-loaded walk that brought in the final run of the contest.

Hlavinka finished 2-for-3 with two RBI's and a run scored in the victory.

In the second game, the Eagles (7-25) came from behind to defeat Behrend, 5-2.

The Lions struck first in the bottom of the second. Taylor Overby (Nazareth, PA/Bethlehem Catholic) singled home Nathan Junk (Cabot, PA/Knoch) to make the score 1-0.

It stayed that way until the bottom of the sixth when Justin Dilla (South Park, PA/South Park) squeezed in Hlavinka, giving Behrend a 2-0 advantage.

With two outs and nobody on base in the top of the seventh, Juniata staged a stunning rally. Six straight Eagles reached as Juniata scored five times to take the lead. The Eagles went on to win, 5-2.

Jack Herzing (St. Mary's, PA/Elk County Catholic) went 6.2 strong innings for the Lions, allowing just two earned runs while striking out nine batters.

Behrend will host non-conference foe Houghton on Monday, April 21 at 2 p.m.