WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University baseball team started off on the right foot against Penn St.-Harrisburg here Friday at Hoy Field. The Bison recorded back-to-back singles and loaded the bases, which allowed them to score the game's first run. From there the momentum turned in favor of the visiting Lions, who scored 24 unanswered runs, as GU lost 24-1 in nine innings.

Junior Kyle Gumm (Dallas, Texas) and senior Blake Phillips (Dalton, Ga.) singled to lead-off the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Cameron Upton (Vicksburg, Miss.) drew a walk to load the bases. The next batter grounded into a double play but that allowed Gumm to score.

GU (5-22) took a 1-0 lead into the third inning where starting pitcher Frank Diaz (Far Rockaway, N.Y.) ran into some trouble. Penn St.-Harrisburg (13-21) scored three runs in the third and fourth innings to take a 6-1 lead.

Penn St.-Harrisburg broke open the game in the top of the sixth inning as the Lions scored 14 runs on 10 hits and left the bases loaded as GU made two pitching changes and two errors in the field. The half inning took 50 minutes to complete.

Diaz (0-3) took the loss as he allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on 13 hits, walked two and struck out three.

Cole Backenstose (1-1) picked up the win as he threw seven innings where he allowed one run on three hits, walked one and struck out five. Two relief pitchers threw two scoreless innings for the Lions to close out the game. The Lions emptied the bench and played 22 players in the game.

BISON TRACKS

• Five different batters recorded a hit in the game for Gallaudet
• The Bison had four errors
• GU gave up a season-high 24 runs and 25 hits

UP NEXT
Gallaudet will host Lancaster Bible College (12-7) tomorrow (Saturday, April 15) in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) doubleheader at Hoy Field. The Bison (0-4 NEAC) will aim to move up the standings with their games against the Chargers (2-2 NEAC).