WHEELING, W.Va. – After 20 innings of baseball on Sunday, the Wheeling Jesuit baseball team came away with two walk-off victories over Fairmont State University. The Cardinals won the first game, 2-1, in 13 innings before winning game two, 7-6, on their last at bat of the evening.
The Cardinals improve to 8-6 in Mountain East Conference play, which moves them into third position in the Northern Division ahead of fourth place West Liberty.
In game one, Jagger Bruck reached safely in the home half of the 13th inning, and advanced to second on a Cody Hudson sacrifice bunt. Brock McGivern stepped to the plate and became the first game hero, driving home Bruck for the Cardinals 2-1 victory.
Dillon Sunnafrank tossed eight innings of three hit baseball for WJU. The junior struck out five Falcons and allowed zero earned runs. Justin Fritts threw the next four innings. The Mentor, Ohio native sat down seven Fairmont State hitters on strikes and allowed only one hit. Joe San Felippo would be credited with the victory, throwing a hitless 13th inning, striking out one hitter.
In game two, Sunnafrank took his turn at being the walk-off specialist. McGivern reached second base by way of an error and Logan Schickler was walked. Sunnafrank singled to right field, bringing home McGivern, the game-winning and series sweeping run.
Benjamin Standiford completed five innings for WJU, allowing four earned runs and striking out one hitter. Logan Hudson earned his second victory of the season as he charted the final six outs, giving up only one base hit.
McGivern led the Cardinals at the plate. The senior second baseman finished the day with three hits, five RBI's, two runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases.
Sunnafrank finished the doubleheader with three hits and a pair of RBI's, while also swiping one bag. San Felippo added two hits and one run. Bruck scored three times on the day and tallied one base hit. Cody Hudson contributed one hit, one run, and a stolen base. Patrick Biega and Christopher Brake each scored once, while Biega stole one base. Anthony Connacher recorded one base hit.
The Cardinals travel to Shepherd University on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17 for 1:00 p.m. doubleheaders.
Game 1:
San Felippo doubled to deep right center field in the bottom of the fourth inning before Sunnafrank doubled down the left field line, tying the game at one apiece. The game remained tied until the 13th inning when McGivern drove home Bruck for the 2-1 victory.
Game 2:
Brake singled to begin the third inning. Bruck reached on a throwing error, while Brake scored, tying the game at one apiece. Cody Hudson walked and stole second base before McGivern single to centerfield, bringing home Bruck and Hudson. Sunnafrank reached base on a walk, and later stole second, while McGivern stole home, giving the Cardinals a 4-1 lead.
Biega led off the fourth inning with a single to left field and later stole second base. Biega advanced to third on a Brake groundout, and Bruck was hit by a pitch. McGivern singled to center, bringing home Bruck and Biega.
McGivern began the seventh inning rally, as he reached on a Falcons fielding error. After Schickler was intentionally walked, Sunnafrank singled to right and scored McGivern, giving WJU its 7-6 victory and a series sweep.
