Penn State DuBois sophomore Jake Sikora follows through on his swing on a base hit during a recent home game at Showers Field.
DuBOIS, Pa. — In a week where Mother Nature played havoc with baseball and softball across the commonwealth, Penn State DuBois baseball was able to get in several games, picking up three wins last week. The softball team, however, wasn’t as lucky, as its entire week of games was canceled due to weather.
Penn State DuBois softball, which last played on March 21, was scheduled to play a doubleheader against Kent State Tuscarawas on March 30, with the Lady Lions making the trip for these games. However, impending weather throughout the day forced these games to be canceled.
Penn State DuBois sophomore Kamryn Mactavish prepares to start her swing during a home game last year at Heindl Field in DuBois.
Penn State DuBois baseball began its week by traveling to visit Penn State Shenango in Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) divisional play on March 28. In the first game of the two games scheduled for the day, DuBois erupted for 13 runs on 17 hits to power past Shenango, 13-6.
Connor Cherry went the distance for the Nittany Lions, allowing six runs on 13 hits while striking out five to improve to 3-0 on the season. The DuBois offense set the tone early with two runs in the first inning before exploding for a six-run third, highlighted by run-scoring hits from Bryce Dobson and Isaac Tiracorda. The Nittany Lions tacked on three more runs in the fourth inning and added two insurance runs in the seventh.
Dobson led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while catcher Grant Lillard also recorded three hits and an RBI. Ezeck Olinger added three hits and a stolen base, and Nick Cagliola drove in two runs.
Shenango managed to keep pace early, tying the game at 2-2 in the first on an RBI double from Dominic Fornataro. Jason Malley provided the biggest offensive highlight for Shenango with a fourth-inning grand slam, but Cherry settled in to close out the game.
Shenango starter Mason Walker took the loss, giving up two runs in the first inning before a six-run second inning off reliever Remington Hart put the game out of reach.
The second game of the doubleheader with Shenango was not started due to weather moving into the area. The game will be attempted to be rescheduled at a later date.
Penn State DuBois and Penn State Shenango finished off their home and home weekend series when Shenango traveled to Showers Field in DuBois for a doubleheader on March 29. In game one of the day, DuBois powered past Shenango with a 16-7 victory in a contest that was highlighted by a dominant offensive performance and strong relief pitching.
Shenango struck early, plating three runs in the first two innings. However, DuBois responded with a six-run third inning, fueled by extra-base hits and aggressive baserunning. The home team continued to pile on, adding five runs in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth.
Lillard led the offensive charge for DuBois, going 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and four RBIs. Alex Gavlock and Kyle Elensky each drove in two runs, while Isaac Tiracorda contributed three RBIs. The team tallied 16 hits in total, including four doubles and a home run.
On the mound, Zach Tiracorda started for DuBois, allowing five runs over 3.2 innings. Christian Hopp earned the win in relief, pitching one inning while giving up just one run. Zach Witherow and Joe Tettis combined to hold Shenango to one run over the final two innings.
For Shenango, Dante Micaletti recorded two doubles and an RBI, while Logan Cypher and John Perry each drove in a run. Pitcher Nick Osborne took the loss, allowing six earned runs in 2.2 innings of work.
Penn State DuBois looked to take the positive momentum into the second game of the day. In game two, DuBois secured a 9-5 victory over Shenango, completing a two-game sweep of the doubleheader.
DuBois jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding five more in the second. Lillard drove in two runs, while designated hitter Jake Sikora delivered a key three-RBI performance to bolster the offensive effort. Dobson and Elensky also contributed RBI singles, while the Nittany Lions used aggressive base running to their advantage, tallying six stolen bases. DuBois finished the game with nine hits and nine runs, taking advantage of three Shenango errors.
On the mound, Jeff Romano earned the win, pitching 3.2 innings while allowing five earned runs on six hits, striking out four. The bullpen combined for 3.1 scoreless innings, with Travis Keister and Josh Ross shutting down Shenango's offense in the final frames.
Shenango responded with a three-run second inning and added two more in the fourth, but it wasn't enough to overcome DuBois’ offensive surge. Tyler Evans led Shenango with a 2-for-4 performance and three RBIs, while Mikey Guarnieri homered to put his team on the board.
Penn State DuBois junior pitcher Zach Tiracorda delivers a pitch home during a recent home game at Showers Field in DuBois.
In the week ahead, both the Nittany Lions and Lady Lions hope that Mother Nature will allow them to play all their scheduled contests. The Lady Lions are scheduled to travel to visit Penn State New Kensington on April 1 for a PSUAC doubleheader, with the first game scheduled to start at 2 p.m. The team will then play its first home games of the season on April 4, when it hosts Penn State Beaver at Heindl Field. The PSUAC doubleheader on this date will begin at 3 p.m. The Lady Lions will finish their week by traveling to visit Penn State Greater Allegheny on April 5, with the first game of the doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
While the Penn State DuBois baseball team isn’t scheduled to play another game until Friday, the team does have a full weekend of baseball ahead. The Nittany Lions will begin by traveling to visit Penn State New Kensington on April 4 for a PSUAC doubleheader away from home. The first game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Then, on April 5, New Kensington will travel to Showers Field to complete the home and home matchup against DuBois. Game one is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. The Nittany Lions will finish the week on April 6 when they host the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for a nonconference doubleheader at Showers Field. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For complete athletic schedules, including any weather-related changes, visit the Penn State DuBois athletic website.
