• Game 1 Box Score
• Game 2 Box Score
• Photo Gallery

WASHINGTON, Pa. (March 9) – Sophomore Mick Fennell (Butler, Pa./Butler) recorded a complete-game shutout in Game 1 on Sunday afternoon, as the Vulcans claimed a non-conference doubleheader split against Clarion at CONSOL Energy Park, winning 3-0 in Game 1 before falling 4-3 in Game 2.

With the split, the California University of Pennsylvania baseball team moves to 3-4 overall and has split all three of its doubleheaders this season. Meanwhile, Clarion opens the year with a 1-1 mark.

In Game 1, Fennell tossed a 9.0-inning, complete-game shutout (92 pitches) in his first start of the season. He scattered four hits and issued one walk while allowing only one base runner to reach scoring position. Fennell registered four strikeouts and induced 14 fly-outs while posting his sixth career complete game and first career shutout.

The Vulcans took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when junior third baseman Justin Taylor (Julian, Pa./Bald Eagle) lined an RBI double down the right field line, scoring sophomore first baseman David Marcus (Whitby, Ontario/Father Leo J. Austin) from second. Cal U looked to add to its lead in the fourth with runners on first and second and no outs, however, a double play and ground-out ended the inning.

Clarion collected a one-out single in the top of the fifth and a sacrifice bunt advanced the runner to second before Fennell induced a pop-up to end the inning. In the sixth, Marcus reached on a single before scoring on a two-out triple by Fennell to the left-center field wall. The Vulcans added an insurance run in the seventh when senior second baseman Giovanni Morales (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Joseph's Prep) scored on a bases-loaded walk by Marcus.

Fennell finished 3-for-4 with one RBI, while Taylor collected a pair of hits in his first career start at third base. Marcus also scored twice in the victory.

The Golden Eagles used four different pitchers with senior Sam Skraba working a team-high 3.2 innings. Senior starter Brett Whitman (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing one run (earned) on three hits in 3.0 innings (53 pitches).

In Game 2, Clarion scored the game-tying and game-winnings runs in the top of the ninth. Second baseman Mitch Holmberg led off the inning with a triple before designated hitter Nick Maskery followed with a game-tying RBI double off reliever Cory Craig (Youngsville, Pa./Youngsville). After an unassisted ground-out to first base, left fielder Shayne Reimold delivered the go-ahead single before a double play ended the inning.

Craig (0-1) suffered the loss after allowing one run (earned) on two hits. Junior starter GJ Senchak (New Castle, Pa./New Castle) took a no-decision after yielding three runs (all earned) on eight hits with no walks in 8.0-plus innings (95 pitches).

The Vulcans manufactured a run in the bottom of the first on just one hit. Senior center fielder Ben Carson (Coal Center, Pa./California) opened the inning with a single and later scored on a fielder's choice after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and stolen base. In the third, Morales led off with a single and advanced to second on an infield single by junior shortstop Matt Peters (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby). Following a wild pitch allowed both runners to move into scoring position, Marcus delivered a two-run triple to right-center field with two outs.

Senchak retired seven-consecutive hitters before the Golden Eagles scored a pair of runs in the top of the sixth on three singles and a pair of sacrifices. Cal U looked to answer in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases before a strikeout and pop-up ended the inning. The Vulcans again had runners in scoring position in the seventh before McCall retired the next two batters without allowing a run.

Peters went 2-for-4 in the nightcap with one RBI and one run scored. Marcus extended his hitting streak to seven games with the two-run triple.

Cal U combined to throw out five base runners attempting to steal second base in the doubleheader, including three which ended innings.

The Vulcans return to CONSOL Energy Park tomorrow, Monday, March 10, playing a doubleheader against Salem International at 1 p.m.