HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata baseball team lost both games of their Friday doubleheader with Susquehanna, falling 5-2 in game one before suffering a 14-0 rout in game two.
Game one would prove to be a defensive affair, with both starters turning in good performances. After giving up a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, Eagle starter Chase Alessandroni (Royersford, Pa. / Springford) settled down to toss four shutout innings after, before Susquehanna struck for three more runs in the sixth to give them a 5-0 lead. The Eagles did not go quietly, refusing to be kept off the scoreboard and putting two runs across in the bottom of the ninth inning. Alessandroni would ultimately take the loss, giving up four runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings of work, while also striking out four.
Game two saw Susquehanna tee off on the Eagles' pitching while Juniata's defense committed seven errors, allowing the River Hawks to tally their 14 runs while unable to respond with any of their own. Starter Drew Westover (Burnham, Pa. / Mifflin County) was shelled for seven earned runs in only two innings of work, and he and the bullpen would combine to allow three home runs during the game. Senior Brandon Ashurst (Cherry Tree, Pa. / Northern Cambria) produced one of the only standout moments for Juniata in the game, stepping in as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning and crushing a double to right center for one of the Eagles' six hits.
The two teams will play one remaining contest at Juniata, with the Eagles hoping to avoid the season sweep.
