(Posted March 12, 2005)

DeSales 11, Juniata 9

Chandler, Ariz. ? The final game of the Juniata College baseball team?s spring trip got off to a good start as the Eagles scored four runs in the top of the first, but could not hold the lead as DeSales University topped Juniata 11-9 in Chandler, Ariz. Saturday morning. Juniata closes its spring break trip with an overall record of 8-4, and 7-4 in Ariz.
After grabbing the early lead, the Eagles again held a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the eighth. But DeSales rallied with three runs in the inning to pull in front 11-9. Juniata could not answer back in the top of the ninth

Will Russell (Tyrone/Tyrone) got the ball rolling with a two RBI single in the top of the first. A Jesse Leonard (Shade/Johnstown) single added another run and Russell came in on an error to put Juniata in front 4-0.

DeSales answered with a pair of runs off Eagle starter Jason Enoch (Hempfield/Landisville) in the bottom of the inning, then pulled into a tie with another two runs in the bottom of the third.

Juniata moved back in front in the fourth when Dan Kauffman (Penn Manor/Conestoga) drove in David Saintz (Titusville/Titusville) with an RBI single.

DeSales responded again, this time surging back in front with three runs in the fifth to knock Enoch from the game. After a dominating performance in his first career starter, Enoch went five innings allowing seven runs, six earned, on nine hits while striking out three.

Juniata knotted the score again in the sixth as Saintz led off with a double, then came home on a groundout from Kauffman. Walt Goedkoop (Manheim Township/Lancaster) tied the game at seven with an RBI single.

The back-and-forth continued as DeSales moved back in front with a run in the bottom of the sixth, before Juniata took the lead for a final time with two runs in the seventh. Kauffman drove home Paul Evans (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) and Troy Beaver (Bellwood-Antis/Bellwood) with a two RBI triple.

DeSales then had the final answer as they put two runners on against Juniata reliever Jeff Hayes (Indian Valley/Lewistown) in the bottom of the eighth. DeSales cleanup hitter Kyle Hoffman delivered an RBI single, with another run scoring on an error off Lance Tippett (Altoona/Altoona) to put the Bulldogs in front for good. Scott Matejicka then added an insurance run with an RBI single. Hayes was charged with the loss, his first of the season.

Saintz led the Juniata attack as he went 3-for-5. He also delivered his second triple of the season which gives him 14 for his career which ties the Juniata career record. Kauffman finished with two hits and four RBI in the game. Russell had one hit in the game, which gave him a team-high 17 hits for the team?s spring break trip.

Juniata is scheduled to resume action on March 18 with a conference game at defending regular-season Commonwealth Champion Messiah.

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