Wendig's Solid Outing Wasted in 5-3 Loss to Elizabethtown

SELINSGROVE, Pa. -- Susquehanna University's freshman Brian Wendig (West Chester, Pa./Malvern Prep) scattered seven hits over 6 2/3 innings pitched, but Susquehanna gave up four late runs to fall to visiting Elizabethtown College, 5-3, in a non-conference baseball game at Harold Bollinger Field on April 6.

Wendig allowed just one earned run in the first inning, giving up three two-out hits, but shut Elizabethtown out for the rest of his outing. He also walked two and struck out three batters in the no-decision.

Susquehanna (10-11 overall) could not plate a run until the bottom of the fifth but added two more in the sixth to take its first lead of the game, 3-1. The Blue Jays (13-7 overall) strung together four runs by way of three walks and back-to-back fielder's choices in the top half of the eighth to regain the lead and eventually win the game, 5-3.

The Crusaders had multiple chances throughout the nine-inning game to score runs but left 10 men on base, hit into three double plays and had a man picked off.

Senior infielder/catcher Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) tied for the game-high with three hits (in five at bats) and smacked a game-high two doubles. Price also scored a run. Teammate and freshman outfielder Ken Kayama [Koto-Ku, Japan/Solebury (Pa.)] batted 3-for-4 with a double.

SU's senior infielder Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) and junior infielder Justin Portzline (Selinsgrove, Pa./Selinsgrove Area) each recorded a run batted in. Brigman went 2-for-5 on the day, while Portzline was 2-for-4 with a double and a walk.

Crusaders junior pitcher/infielder Calvin Hug (West Chester, Pa./Unionville) batted 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk, while junior infielder Erik Tuomisto (Northumberland, Pa./Shikellamy) walked once in a 1-for-4 day.

Junior infielder Geoff Hunter (Sugarloaf, Pa./Hazleton Area) scored a run, stole a base, walked and laid down a sacrifice bunt in two at bats.

SU's junior Joe Schurig (Westfield, N.J./Westfield HS) relieved Wendig in the seventh and struck out the only batter he faced.

Sophomore Jordan Thomas (Westminster, Md./Westminster HS) suffered the loss in two-thirds of an inning, allowing four earned runs on two hits and three walks. Senior Ben Leonard (Johnstown, Pa./Shade) replaced Thomas and allowed one hit while striking out two in 1 1/3 innings.