MADISON, NJ – The Juniata baseball team took a 4-0 win over the Drew Rangers following a lightning delay that ended the game in six innings Friday evening.
In the top of the first, Devyn Carper (Altoona, Pa. / Altoona Area) struck out swinging but reached first on a throwing error. Carper advanced to second on the play. Joe Klusman (Wilmington, Del. / St. Elizabeth) then singled, advanced to second on a throwing error that allowed Carper to score. The Eagles would hold on to the one-run lead until the fifth.
David DeFreest (Duxburry, Vt. Harwood Union) led of the fifth inning with a double out to left field. Hunter Price (Huntingdon, Pa. / Huntingdon Area) followed with a bunt-single, advancing DeFreest to third. Price advanced to second on a fly out to left from Carper. Anthony Lombardo (Altoona, Pa. / Altoona) would be intentionally walked, loading the bases for Juniata. Klusman knocked in two with a single out to centerfield to make it 3-0 Juniata. Isaac Kline (Everett, Pa. / Bedford) followed with a single up the middle to bring in Lombardo.
Juniata would hold a 4-0 lead through the sixth inning before the game would enter a lightning delay.
After roughly one hour, the game would be called and Juniata would take the victory, 4-0.
Jesse Beeler (Greencastle, Pa. / Greencastle-Antrim) earned his first collegiate shutout while tossing a complete game on the mound for Juniata. Beeler gave up just three hits and recorded one strikeout.
Klusman and Chris Schreder (Lititz, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) each went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Eagles offense.
Juniata and Drew return to Landmark Conference play Sat. April 2 for a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m. at Doc Young Field.
