Falcons Nab Florida Split With Allegheny, Erupt In Game Two
Senior Jonny Ebersole was among the big hitters in Monday's Game Two win, going 2-4 with two runs scored.

Auburndale, FL — A disheartening loss and an emphatic win detailed day number five in the Messiah baseball team’s week-long Florida stay, as the Falcons split with Allegheny College by 3-4 and 9-5 scores Monday.

The latter was especially needed following the day-opening 3-4 defeat — Messiah’s fourth loss in its last six outings.

Allegheny (3-5) scored an error-assisted game-winning run in the top of the fifth in that contest, turning the final score of a pitcher’s duel in the Gators’ favor. Messiah (6-8-1) was unable to get much of a rally started thereafter, placing just one base runner in the team’s final three at-bats.

“We got a good enough outing from (sophomore pitcher) Eric Spring to get the win, but we fell on the shy end of a one-run decision,” said Bryan Engle, Messiah head coach. “We learned some things from the game that we can certainly go to the drawing board with and make adjustments to help us when Eric is back on the bump. To his credit, he made some adjustments as well, and is aware of how to adjust when needed.”

Spring (1-2) went the distance on the mound, surrendering just four hits while striking out eight. He walked three Gators’ batters, allowing singular runs in the second, third, fourth and fifth innings.

Allegheny’s final run came courtesy of a Falcons’ fielding error, as the Gators’ Aaron Lynch came across the plate following what should have been a half-inning ending groundout. Lynch singled to get aboard, and stole second base to move into scoring position.

“I have been disappointed with our defensive play throughout the Florida trip and a few errors in this game cost us as well,” Engle said. “The winning run came on an error and in a tight ball game, any extra outs get maximized. Simply said, you cannot give the opponent an opportunity to have extra at-bats.”

Engle’s club stayed close thanks in large part to a big first inning, as a double from junior Sheldon Witmer and singles from senior Jonny Ebersole and junior Jordan Zimmerman plated a pair of scores. After Allegheny took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth, the Falcons responded with an RBI single from junior Jon Shenk in the bottom of the stanza.

There would be no answer for the Gators’ fifth inning score, however.

Allegheny pitcher Aaron Skalko allowed just one Falcons’ hit — a single from freshman Wes Hollenbach — over the final three innings, finishing a complete game with five strikeouts and just one walk.

Hollenbach was Messiah’s only multiple-hit performer of the first game, going 2-3. Witmer’s double was the Falcons’ only extra-base hit, while he, Zimmerman and Ebersole accounted for the team’s three RBI.

“Having been this far into our 40-game regular season schedule, we've got to start sharpening up the things that should be sharp,” Engle said. “There's no reason we shouldn't be clicking right now.”

Messiah clicked — offensively, at least — in the day’s second contest.

A total eight runs in the first three innings paved the way for the 9-5 win, as only a four-run fourth inning from the Gators made things remotely interesting. Freshman Thor Anderson (1-1) collected the pitching win, going five innings while striking out five batters — allowing just three hits.

“It was good to come out and jump to a good start, but we have to learn how to slam the door shut on an opponent when we have the lead,” Engle said. “You cannot give your opponent an opportunity to get back into the game and I felt we got a little lax in our attitude and demeanor. We have to stay sharp with focus in all aspects from the first pitch to the last pitch, regardless of score.”

The Falcons’ blasted 12 total hits en route to the big win, 11 of which came in the first three innings. RBI hits from Ebersole, Witmer, senior Ben Kirk and freshman John Brubaker highlighted the series, with Brubaker knocking in two in the third via a double.

Shenk helped Messiah to its final run in the seventh inning, blasting an RBI triple.

Allegheny’s only real threat came in the bottom of the fourth, when a double and a home run brought in all four scores — all with two outs retired.

“Thor Arnesen, in his second college start, threw well,” Engle said. “I believe he gave up one or two hits through the first few innings and then they put up a four-spot which all started with two outs and nobody on base. I was encouraged by his start and I hope he was too. Similar to Eric in the first game, we talked about what adjustments to make, how to be able to adjust to collegiate-level batting and pitching and how to give yourself the best opportunity to be successful. The good thing is that he gets it and has the fight and demeanor to succeed.”

Freshman Zach Adams came on in brief relief, facing just three batters, before sophomore Travis Thome finished the day with an inning and two thirds pitched, striking out three of five batters.

“Travis Thome came in to slam the door shut and we sure needed him,” Engle said. “He is a gamer and always wants the ball in his hand. Overall, this was a good game for us on a variety of fronts. Having the lead gave us an opportunity to be aggressive on the base paths, which is what we wanted to do. We stole some bases, we executed some hit and runs. Anytime you can force the defensive team to react to what you want to do offensively, you have a hand up.”

Messiah will return to the ballpark tomorrow, facing Washington & Jefferson College in a single, nine-inning game. Start time is set for 11 a.m.