WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (March 11) – The California (PA) baseball team scored nine runs in the early innings on Wednesday afternoon to secure an 11-5 victory against Minnesota Duluth while continuing play in The Sunshine State.
NOTES
• The Vulcans (8-4) posted its second win in as many days against the Bulldogs.
• All nine batters in the starting lineup for Cal finished with at least one hit.
• Junior designated hitter
Ikon Jones recorded two extra-base hits, two RBI, three runs scored, one walk and one steal.
• Junior catcher
Kyle Rizzo and freshman center fielder
Charlie Nigut each collected three hits.
• Sophomore shortstop
Brandon McClain-Banks tallied two RBI, two runs scored and two steals.
• The Vulcans took a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning on three hits and two walks, including a two-run triple by redshirt freshman
Chad Helwich.
• Cal added two runs in the third, including an RBI triple by McClain-Banks, before scoring three runs in the fourth, 9-2.
• Senior first baseman
Colin Patterson and Jones both tallied RBI doubles in the fourth inning.
• Jones added an RBI triple in the sixth and scored on a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to an 11-3 margin.
• Freshman pitcher
Nate Persinger (1-0) was credited with his first career win after setting seasons highs with six strikeouts and 4.2 innings pitched (73 pitches).
• He allowed two runs (both earned) on three hits and three walks against UMD.
NEXT
• Cal returns to action in Florida tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, when it faces Northern State (SD) at 2:30 p.m.
