• Box Score

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Feb. 27) – Despite leading by four runs entering the ninth, the Vulcans suffered a 7-6 loss in extra innings to Charleston (W.Va.) on Monday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park.

With the loss, the California University of Pennsylvania baseball team falls to 6-2 overall. Meanwhile, Charleston improves to 1-3 after its season-opening series.

The Vulcans took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on back-to-back doubles by senior center fielder Troy Handza (Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler) and sophomore third baseman Chuck Gasti (Carmichaels, Pa./Carmichaels). Charleston tied the game in the fourth before taking a 2-1 lead in the fifth on a two-out, RBI single by designated hitter Corey Hill.

Cal U reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning when junior first baseman AJ Robinson (Milesburg, Pa./Bald Eagle) belted a two-run homer, his first of the year. The Vulcans added a pair of runs in the top of the ninth to take a 6-2 lead. Freshman shortstop Matt Peters (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby) opened the inning with a double before scoring on an RBI single by sophomore left fielder Ben Carson (Coal Center, Pa./California). After a bunt single and sacrifice bunt, Handza was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out. Following a fielder's choice at home, Robinson delivered a two-out, two-run double.

In the bottom of the ninth, catcher Igor Molina cut the deficit with a two-run homer before Hill tied the game at 6-6 later in the inning on another two-run homer. Cal U managed to move a runner into scoring position in the 11th before Charleston retired the next two batters in order. In the bottom of the inning, the Golden Eagles had runners on the corners after back-to-back singles before first baseman Andy Stichter scored the game-winning run on a passed ball.

Senior reliever Ryan Hulme (Aliquippa, Pa./Center) suffered the loss (0-1) after allowing five runs (four earned) in 2.1 innings on five hits and two walks. Freshman GJ Senchak (New Castle, Pa./New Castle) took a no-decision after yielding two runs (both earned) on nine hits and four walks while setting a career high with five strikeouts in 7.0 innings. Charleston's Lucas Catlett (1-0) earned the win after tossing 2.0 scoreless innings of relief.

In the loss, Robinson went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer, four RBI and one run scored. Carson, Gasti and Peters each collected two hits on Monday, while Handza scored a pair of runs.

Cal U returns to action tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 28, when it hosts West Liberty at CONSOL Energy Park in Washington, Pa. The game is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. start.