Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 (WASHINGTON, Pa.) – The 2017 started off in sweeping fashion as Walsh took two from hosting California (Pa.) at CONSOL Energy Park, home of the Pioneer Leagues' Washington Wild Things. The Cavaliers (2-0) won the games by scores of 2-0 and 5-2 against the Vulcans (1-3).
In the opener, Matt Iosue tossed a gem as he went five innings and struck out four batters with just four hits and one walk allowed to get the win. Alex Zander came on in relief for a scoreless sixth before Ryan McSweeney came in for a perfect seventh for the save.
McSweeney's day was just getting started as he also came on in the bottom end of the twin bill two strike out two for his second save of the day.
Back in the first game, both runs came in the top of the second when Tyson Lautanen doubled down the left field line to bring home Austin Szink and Johnny Knight IV. Szink opened the frame with a double to left center and was promptly followed with a single through the left side by Knight IV.
Szink also had a big game in the second contest as he hit a three-run home run to left field to cap a four-run third inning and a five-run rally. After the Vulcans opened the game with a run on an error in the bottom of the first, the Cavs tied it up in the second when James Thomas hit in Szink to tie the game on a fielder's choice.
Overall Szink was a perfect 6-for-6 on the day with a home run, a double, three RBI and three runs scored.
One inning later, Andrew Stalnaker opened the scoring with a double down right field line to score Marcus Bobb who started the frame with a single to left center. Szink followed with his round trip to score Stalnaker and Luke Caple.
Cal answered with a homer in the sixth, but the Walsh battery remained strong with McSweeney closing the game. MJ Nara started the game and received the win on an impressive debut as he went five innings and allowed just three hits with one unearned run.
The Cavaliers are off until spring break when they fly to Florida to participate in the 2017 RussMatt Central Florida Invitational. They will open the week with Florida Tech on Saturday, March 4, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
