• Game 1 Box Score
• Game 2 Box Score

WASHINGTON, Pa. (March 28) – The Vulcans stole a combined 15 bases and allowed only three runs on Wednesday afternoon, as they posted a doubleheader sweep over Salem International at CONSOL Energy Park, winning 8-2 and 8-1.

With the wins, the California University of Pennsylvania baseball team improves to 16-12 overall with a 9-3 mark at home. Meanwhile, Salem International falls to 4-25 this season.

In Game 1, senior Jim Kirker (Bridgeville, Pa./South Fayette) improved to 4-0 this season while tossing the first complete game of his career. He limited the Tigers to two runs (both unearned) on six hits and tied his season high with six strikeouts in 7.0 innings (111 pitches). SIU starter Elliott Swiatly (0-2) was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits in 5.0-plus innings (80 pitches).

The Vulcans took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when senior center fielder Troy Handza (Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler) lined a ground-rule RBI double to left-center field. In the third, SIU benefited from back-to-back errors before collecting a pair of singles to take a 3-1 lead. Cal U answered in the bottom of the inning when sophomore third baseman Chuck Gasti (Carmichaels, Pa./Carmichaels) scored from second on a two-out fielding error.

In the fourth, Cal U reclaimed the lead after back-to-back RBI singles by sophomore outfielders Ben Carson (Coal Center, Pa./California) and John Orr (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler), 4-2. The Vulcans sealed the win by scoring four runs on four hits, two walks and one error in the sixth. Handza opened the inning with a solo homer (20th career) before senior second baseman Kyle Bowser (Stoystown, Pa./North Star) scored from second on a fielding error. Junior pinch hitter Joey Borrelli (New Castle, Pa./Neshannock) followed with an RBI single before redshirt sophomore pinch runner Giovanni Morales (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Joseph's Prep) scored on a wild pitch, 8-2.

Handza went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two RBI in Game 1, while Bowser finished with a pair of hits, scored twice and stole two bases.

In Game 2, freshman Dave Kucenic (South Park, Pa./South Park) earned his first collegiate win after allowing one run (earned) on four hits in 5.0 innings (68 pitches). Seniors Ryan Hulme (Aliquippa, Pa./Center) and Pat Gannon (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper Saint Clair) each tossed an inning of no-hit relief to finish the game on Wednesday. Tigers' starter Kyle Koedyker (0-7) suffered the loss after being roughed up for seven runs (all earned) on eight hits in 3.2 innings (63 pitches).

After two scoreless innings, the Vulcans took a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the third on four hits and two hit by pitch. With the bases loaded, Bowser collected a two-out RBI single before junior first baseman AJ Robinson (Milesburg, Pa./Bald Eagle) delivered a two-run single through the right side. Carson then followed with an RBI double to right-center field before Robinson scored on a wild pitch, 5-0.

In the fourth, redshirt freshman catcher Will Kaufman (Roanoke, Va./Patrick Henry) opened the inning with a single and Gasti followed with a double. Kaufman then scored on a fielding error before Gasti scored on a double play to increase the lead to 7-0. The Tigers avoided the shutout in the fifth when they scored on a squeeze play before the Vulcans countered with a successful squeeze play by Morales in the sixth, 8-1.

Batting leadoff for the first time this season, Gasti finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and one stolen base. Bowser went 2-for-3 with one RBI, one run and two steals.

The Vulcans continue their homestand on Saturday, March 31, with a doubleheader against Mansfield at CONSOL Energy Park, starting at 1 p.m. Live stats of the games will be available by clicking here.