PITTSBURGH (April 9) – In a setting unmatched at the collegiate level, the Vulcans played at PNC Park on Thursday afternoon, experiencing one of baseball's most iconic venues despite a 7-2 loss to Point Park in non-conference play.

With the loss, the California (PA) baseball team moves to 17-12 overall after dropping a pair of games to Point Park – the reigning Mountain East Conference (MEC) Champions. Meanwhile, the Pioneers improve to 20-10 this season under head coach Loren Torres, who secured his 700th career victory at PNC Park. Note, Pirates manager Don Kelly starred at Point Park when the program competed at the NAIA level.

"What an incredible experience for our players and program. The opportunity to play at PNC Park is truly special," said first-year head coach Joey Noro. "This is an experience that our players, their families and friends will be able to talk about long after their time at Cal. I grew up less than 10 miles away and this ballpark was a big part of my life growing up. For our entire staff, it was an unforgettable experience to get to compete and coach at the most beautiful ballpark in America."

The Vulcans collected 12 hits in the contest – all singles – and left 12 runners on base, including seven in scoring position. Senior Connor Evans went 2-for-5 while splitting time between right field and center field, while sophomore second baseman Peyton Ford finished 2-for-4 with one run scored.

Cal utilized eight different pitchers with sophomore starter Colin Watson working a team-high 2.0 scoreless innings. Junior Evan Ables (0-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing two runs (both earned) without recording an out. Freshmen Nate Persinger and Evan Stranko both tallied three strikeouts while working 1.0 scoreless inning of relief.

In the second, Cal and Point Park both stranded runners on first and second before the Pioneers scored five runs in the third inning on just one hit. Point Park capitalized on four walks, two errors and a hit by pitch to score five runs off three different pitchers.

The Vulcans threatened in the top of the fourth before junior Caleb Collins, who started at third base and later shifted to shortstop, was tagged out at the plate for the final out of the inning after attempting to score from second on a single by sophomore shortstop Brandon McClain-Banks. In the fifth, Cal trimmed the deficit to a 5-2 margin on a two-run single by junior designated hitter Ikon Jones, who was doubled off first base on the play for the second out in the inning. Point Park looked to answer in the bottom half before redshirt freshman left fielder Chad Helwich threw out a runner at the plate attempting to score from second.

In the seventh, the Pioneers added a pair of insurance runs on a two-run homer by right fielder Trevor Jones down the left-field line after an infield single with two outs extended the inning. Cal loaded the bases in the ninth with a pair of singles and a walk before a strikeout and fielder's choice ended the game.

The Vulcans return to PSAC West play tomorrow, Friday, April 10, when they host a doubleheader against Clarion at EQT Park in Washington, Pennsylvania, at 1 p.m.