MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Feb. 23) – The Vulcans scored nearly combined 20 runs in a season-opening doubleheader sweep against Walsh (Ohio) on Sunday afternoon at Mylan Park, winning 10-2 in Game 1 and 9-1 in Game 2.
NOTES
• California (PA) has started the year with back-to-back wins in seven-straight seasons.
• Six players collected multiple hits in the twinbill and six players scored at least two runs.
• The Vulcans used six different pitchers over the two games on Sunday.
• Walsh was picked as the preseason favorite in the G-MAC South Division following a 27-win campaign last spring.
GAME 1
• The Vulcans scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth to cruise to a 10-2 win.
• Sophomore catcher
Conner McTighe went 3-for-3 with one RBI and two runs scored on Sunday.
• Senior first baseman
Payton Conte collected two hits, three RBI and one run scored, while junior third baseman
Conor Carney posted two hits, two RBI and one run scored.
• Senior right fielder
James Salvatori tallied two hits and one run scored in his debut with the program and senior designated hitter
Nathan Meeks scored three runs behind a pair of walks.
• Cal took a 2-1 lead in the second on RBI singles by Carney and McTighe before scoring twice in the fifth.
• The Vulcans posted six runs on six hits in the sixth inning to stretch the lead to 10-1.
• Carney tallied an RBI single and scored on a sacrifice fly before Conte and senior left fielder
Ryan Callahan later delivered back-to-back, two-run hits with two outs.
• Junior
Michael Valente earned the victory after allowing one run (earned) on three hits in 4.0 innings (83 pitches).
GAME 2
• Cal scored all nine of its runs over three-consecutive innings to earn a 9-1 victory.
• Callahan finished 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and two runs scored.
• Senior second baseman
Santino Marra posted two hits and two runs scored, while Carney tallied two hits and two RBI.
• The Vulcans scored three unearned runs with two outs in the bottom of the second before adding two runs after loading the bases in the third.
• Cal extended the lead to 9-1 after scoring four runs with two outs in the fourth, including a two-run homer by Callahan.
• Junior
Nathan Holmes registered the win after yielding one run (earned) on four hits with zero walks and five strikeouts in 5.0 innings (67 pitches).
NEXT
• The Vulcans return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 26, when they travel to face Salem in Nutter Fort, West Virginia, at 3 p.m.
