The Pioneers clinched a hard-fought 8-7 win against Keystone College in adverse conditions but the victory was briefly marred by a late-game incident reflecting the game’s shifting momentum.
In the initial innings, both teams struggled to gain a decisive advantage. For Keystone, Carlos Pascual struck out swinging while William Paterson’s Jordan Brown was having trouble getting a clean hit off.
The second inning saw Keystone break the deadlock. Chase Boyle bunted the ball and the Pioneers fumbled the pickup, allowing Boyle to get to third base and Jake Yager to get to home base putting Keystone ahead 1-0.
Greg Verano’s hit then allowed Boyle to score, extending the Giants lead to 2-0. However, their momentum was cut short as a stolen base attempt failed and Nate Ewing would strike out not too much longer after that. William Paterson was unable to respond, with Stephen Kubis striking out, Dylan Santos grounded to first, and Thomas Jova striking out.
With Boyle’s hit over second base allowing Pascual and Yager to score, Keystone extended their lead by two. Yet the Pioneers still couldn’t figure out how to get on the board as Connor Luckie struck out, Tom Radigan grounded to first, and Angel Colon was caught out.
The fourth inning saw both teams struggling to convert hits into runs.
Darren Hagan reached second base, but the Giants ultimately failed to capitalize. Similarly, William Paterson couldn’t score, with Brown grounding out, Braden Ramirez striking out, and Ty Kobylakiewicz striking out.
William Paterson initiated their comeback in the seventh inning.
Radigan’s three-run home run was a big momentum swing cutting Keystone’s lead to two.
In the eighth, Radigan hit another home run, allowing himself, Santos, and Sean Lauterhahn to get home, putting the Pioneers in the lead at 8-7.
In the ninth inning the Giants tried to come back however, after Greg Verano’s bunt attempt and a throw to first base, a fight broke out between the two squads, overshadowing this otherwise great game. Ultimately the Pioneers were able to hold on, winning the game 8-7.
