UPJ Sweeps Both Wins Against Ohio Valley

The Mountain Cats brought their overall record to 10-12 after the home doubleheader on Saturday, March 31, 2007 against Ohio Valley University (West Virginia). I was surprised as to how well the team played, considering the spectacular performance from the night before with drinking games and dancing. I remember thinking to myself, "Maybe they should play with hangovers more often." It was another beautiful mid 60 degree day with the sun shining bright and, like always, a cool breeze that calls for blankets in the stands.

UPJ started off great, earning four runs in the bottom of the first inning and adding three more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, resulting in the 10-3 win. Junior second baseman Dan Delsignore (Johnstown, Pa) had three runs, junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) and sophomore right fielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) both scored two runs, and senior catcher Paul Pentz (Johnstown, Pa), freshman left fielder Dan Mangini (Lower Burrel, Pa), and freshman center fielder Brad Dale (Windber, Pa) all scored one run. Hanley had two doubles and three RBI, while Turka and Pentz also had two RBI each. Sophomore right handed pitcher Chuck Boring (Dilltown, Pa) advanced his record to 3-0, only giving up three runs in six innings and striking out eight.

Like usual, I brought the boys snacks (BBQ sunflower seeds and Skittles for the bench), but I drank the blue Gatorade I brought for Cody Gallaher because of my horrible hangover. The blaring 80s and rock and roll music did not help the pounding in my head either, but I'm "UPJ Baseball's Number One Fan" according to the boys and I stuck it out through my pain.

Senior right hander Zach Stere (Bellwood, Pa) earned the win in the second game, pitching a complete game, only surrendering two runs on seven hits, and striking out six. This evened Stere's record to 2-2. In the fourth inning, Lore and Balderson from Ohio Valley both had homeruns, tallying the first runs on the score board of the game. Senior first basemen Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa) hit a three-run homer to left field in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 5-2. After the sixth inning, the final score was 6-2 UPJ.

Freshman third baseman Josh Campanella being congratulated at home plate by teammates Good, Colosimo, and Mangini.