Game 1:
It was a tough start to the weekend for Juniata as the Eagles were overpowered by Wilkes in a 16–2 loss in the first game of the series on April 6.
After falling behind early, Zach Johnston sparked some life into the lineup by drawing a walk in the second inning and eventually scoring on an RBI groundout by David Beard. However, that would be one of just two runs for Juniata on the afternoon.
Ethan Pfeffer, Jacob Despot, and Will Kinchington each recorded a hit, with Tim Coleman adding the team's second RBI in the sixth on a groundout that brought Matthew Quigley home. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't build any momentum, managing just three hits total.
Wilkes showcased stellar plate discipline, drawing seven walks and surrendering six earned runs in just over an inning. Relievers Ben Ryan, Harrison Leister, and Connor Rohm combined for the remaining frames, but Wilkes kept the pressure on with a barrage of 15 hits and capitalized on two Juniata errors.
Game 2:
The second game was a different story as Juniata pushed Wilkes to extra innings before ultimately falling 7–6 in the 10th.
Jacob Despot led the offense with a stellar 3-for-4 day, driving in two runs, including a clutch RBI double in the ninth to tie the game at six. Ricky Scott also had a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double in the second and swiping two bases. David Beard, Zach Johnston, and Ethan Pfeffer each chipped in RBIs as the Eagles strung together 11 hits in the game.
On the basepaths, Connor Blough and Ricky Scott were aggressive, each stealing bases to help create scoring chances.
Pitching-wise, Derek Gehr and Aidan Chermol kept Juniata in the game through the first eight innings, combining for eight strikeouts. Landen Eichhorn tossed a clean ninth, but after Connor Blough took over in the 10th, Wilkes managed to walk it off with an RBI single after loading the bases.
Juniata will continue the 2025 season against Susquehanna on April 9th at 3:30 at Langdon-Goodale Field.
