Shippensburg avoids sweep, tops Baseball 12-9

Salisbury, N.C. —- The Catawba College baseball team could not complete a season-opening sweep on Sunday, falling to Shippensburg University 12-9 at Newman Park. The Catawba Indians drop to 2-1 overall, while the Raiders improve to 1-2.

It was the third offensive matchup of the series between Catawba and Shippensburg, as the teams combined for 63 runs in the three-game set. Cooper Bryson led the way with a three-run double in the fourth. Dylan Driver added another three hits, finishing the series 10-for-14 with two doubles, six RBI, eight runs scored and three stolen bases.

Shippensburg utilized the long ball on Sunday, clubbing four homers on the day as a team. Gio Calamia started it off with a three-run homerun that kickstarted a seven-run third inning for the Raiders. Morgan Wyatt hit a long ball for the second straight day.

The Raiders led 7-2 after the third inning, but Catawba scored three runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie the game at 7. The Raiders responded with four runs in the top of the sixth and never looked back.

Kenny Dollenger churned out three innings of relief, but took the loss after the initial Catawba comeback. Gabe Stotler got the win for Shippensburg, also throwing three innings in relief.

The Indians look to bounce back on Tuesday, hosting Mount Olive in an in-region matchup. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.