Baseball Escapes Spalding, Advances in World Series

Penn State Greater Allegheny used an unorthodox bottom of the 7^th inning to dance out of potential danger and hold on for a 4-3 victory over Spalding (KY) in the first round of the USCAA small-college World Series.

After trailing 1-0 through 3 innings, Greater Allegheny tied it in the 5^th when Freshman starting pitcher Scott Dierdorf (Hopewell), who reached on a lead-off double, scored on an errant pickoff attempt to first.  In the top of the 6^th inning, GA would break it open. Following 2 quick outs, Greater Allegheny would load the bases.  Sophomore right fielder Mike Visloski (West Allegheny) singled, Junior second baseman Ted Fricke (Carrick) and Scott Dierdorf each walked, bringing up Freshman first baseman Adam Wehr (Northwestern).  Wehr then belted a bases-clearing triple to right center field, giving GA a 4-1 lead. Spalding would score a run in their half of the 6^th inning, but still trailed heading into the 7^th.  Dierdorf quickly got the first out, but then gave up back-to-back singles.  A throwing error on the second single allowed for a run to score, but the Spalding batter was gunned down by right fielder Mike Visloski attempting to advance to third.  A 4-pitch walk put a runner on first, but he would not advance past that point, as Senior catcher Nate Raffle (GCC) made a strong throw to catch the runner stealing for the game's final out.

Adam Wehr led the offense assault for Greater Allegheny going 2-3, with 3 huge RBI's coming on his 6^th inning triple.  USCAA All-American Scott Dierdorf (5-3) earned the win for GA, scattering 6 hits and striking out 7, through 7 innings.

Next up for Penn State Greater Allegheny will be the winner of the Rochester (MI) and Southern Virginia game. GA will play on Monday, May 16^th with first pitch TBD.