HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata baseball team came back to win 8-7 in the bottom of the ninth off a Connor Blough single against the University of Scranton on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Langdon Goodale Field.
The Eagles scored twice in the first: Joey Woodrow's sacrifice fly to the right allowed Dakotah Snyder to score, and Corey Daniels' infield single scored Zach Johnston. Juniata led 2-0 after one.
The Royals tied the game in the second on a two-run single down the right-field line and methodically added a run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to lead 5-2.
Juniata preferred to score in bunches, plating three runs on two hits in the bottom of the sixth to tie things at five. Blough drove in a run with a single to right, David Beard added another on a sacrifice fly to right, and Snyder's infield single scored Tim Coleman.
However, the Royals' consistency continued as they added runs in the seventh and eighth before Connor Krahulec entered in the ninth and went 1-2-3 to give JC a chance.
Caden Collins reached on an error before getting thrown out going to second on Snyder's fielders' choice. Matthew Quigley came in to pinch run, and two batters later, Michael Warren drew a walk. Woodrow lined a single to left center, which scored Quigley, and Daniels reached on a throwing error by the shortstop. After pitching to him a few times, Charlie Bakken was intentionally walked. That set the stage for Blough's game-winning single through the left side.
Derek Gehr got the start and pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Ethan Pfeffer pitched 2.2 innings in relief and allowed two runs on four hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Krahulec pitched the ninth and got the win; he had two strikeouts.
Juniata will travel to take on Alvernia tomorrow at 3:30.
