Myrtle Beach, SC - The Mount Aloysius Baseball team played Albertus Magnus in doubleheader action on the final day of competition at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach. The Mounties won the first game of the twin bill 4-2, but fell in the nightcap 4-1.
Douglas Cannon (Valencia, PA/Mars Area) took the hill for the Mounties in game 1, and built upon his early season success. In his first start of the year, Cannon scattered 8 hits and struck out 6 batters in a 7 inning complete game performance. He allowed 2 runs in the 2nd inning, keeping the Falcons offense in check for the remaining 6 frames, stranding 6 runners on base.
The Mountie offense was able to jump ahead of Albertus Magnus with 2 hits in the first.
Matthew McCourt (Mullica Hill, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) walked and stole second base before
Sam Keibler (Kittaning, PA/Kittaning) drove him in with a line drive single to right field. The Mounties were able to tack on a run in the second on an
Aaron Shinn ( Woodbridge, VA/CD Hylton) double down the right field line.
The Mounties were held silent for the following 3 innings, and Albertus Magnus was able to tie the game in the 3rd inning on a 2 hits, including a double and an RBI groundout. The game moved into the 6th inning still tied at 2 when
Nicholas Belka (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) hit a double down the left field line, and was able to score two batters later on a two out error. Mount Aloysius extended the lead to 2 runs in the 7th inning. Keibler hit a two out double to left field to chase the Albertus Magnus starting pitcher.
Ryan Leonard (James Creek, PA/Tussey Mountain) pinch ran for Keibler and promptly stole third base. After a Belka walk, the Mounties pulled off a double steal that saw Leonard slide into home just ahead of the tag to score the final run.
Cannon was able to get the first two batters in the final at bat for the Falcon's with ease, but allowed two 2-out singles to bring the go ahead run to the plate. Cannon got the batter to hit a fly ball to left which
Patrick Mahon (Pittsburgh, PA/Allegheny CC) was able to get under and catch for the final out.
Cannon earned the win for the Mounties moving his record to 2-0 this season. Offensively, Keibler, Shinn and designated hitter
Matthew Brown (Hustontown, PA/Forbes Road) all had multiple hit games for the Mounties.
The Mounties did not have as much success in the second game of the day. After allowing a run in the opening at bat, the Mounties were able to tie the game at 1 in the bottom half.
Jeremy Iellimo (Arnold, PA/Valley) led off with a single up the middle. After
Daniel Singer (St. Mary's PA/Elk County Catholic reached on a fielders choice, Keibler hit another double to left field to score Singer from first. The Mounties offense sputtered after the 1st. Despite collecting 6 walks, the Mounties were only able to muster 1 hit in the final 6 innings of the game, stranding 6 runners on base.
Tanner Perrone (Lilly, PA/Penn Cambria) picked up the loss in his first start of the year, allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 4 walks in 2 and 2/3s innings pitched. Sophomore right hander
Cameron Domblisky (Philipsburg, PA/Philipsburg-Osceola) put in a strong relief effort for the Mounties. he pitched the final 4 and 1/3, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks. Domblisky struck out 3 batters.
The Mounties finish their Myrtle Beach Trip with a 6 wins and 2 losses, bringing their overall record to 7-3 this season. They will head north on Thursday, stopping on the way home to play a 9 inning game at Emory & Henry, which was postponed on March 3rd.
