2008 Game Summaries

May 3: Scranton 9, Susquehanna 5
May 2: Catholic 17, Susquehanna 16 (10 innings)
April 27: Susquehanna 7, Keystone 2; Keystone 3, Susquehanna 2
April 25: Susquehanna 10, Muhlenberg 0
April 22: Elizabethtown 19, Susquehanna 13
April 20: Susquehanna 17, USMMA 7
April 19: Susquehanna 8, USMMA 3; USMMA 13, Susquehanna 7
April 17: Moravian 5, Susquehanna 4
April 16: Lebanon Valley 12, Susquehanna 11
April 12: Susquehanna 20, Juniata 5; Juniata 19, Susquehanna 10
April 11: Juniata 9, Susquehanna 0
April 8: Pitt-Bradford 12, Susquehanna 7
April 6: Susquehanna 6, Catholic 4
April 5: Catholic 2, Susquehanna 1; Susquehanna 13, Catholic 6
April 1: Bloomsburg 14, Susquehanna 6
March 30: Susquehanna 17, Drew 4
March 29: Susquehanna 15, Drew 4; Susquehanna 6, Drew 1
March 26: Bucknell 18, Susquehanna 7
March 24: Scranton 2, Susquehanna 1 (8 innings); Susquehanna 4, Scranton 1; Scranton 9, Susquehanna 8
March 20: Susquehanna 21, Gettysburg 9
March 15: Susquehanna 8, Moravian 1; Susquehanna 7, Moravian 4
March 12: Messiah 4, Susquehanna 3
March 8: St. Scholastica 13, Susquehanna 2
March 7: Susquehanna 8, Neumann 4; Susquehanna 11, Neumann 5; Susquehanna 6, Kenyon 0
March 4: Northwood 10, Susquehanna 5; Northwood 12, Susquehanna 2
March 3: Susquehanna 6, Elizabethtown 5 (10 innings)
March 2: Alvernia 5, Susquehanna 0; Alvernia 8, Susquehanna 2

May 3: Crusader rally falls short Box Score

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - A bottom-of-the-ninth, two-run homer by John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) sounded like the beginning of a storybook rally, but Susquehanna University could not surpass the University of Scranton and fell, 9-5, in an elimination game of the 2008 Landmark Conference Baseball Tournament. The Crusaders complete their season with an 18-21 record.

Scranton posted eight runs over the first three innings, then Susquehanna got on the scoreboard in the fourth, when Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) reached on a hit-by-pitch, and later scored on Ben Leonard's (Johnstown, Pa./Shade) single to right field.

Two more Crusader runs crossed in the fifth, with Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) plating one run on his RBI single to center field, and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) scoring from third on a double-steal of second and home.

The Royals got a solo home run to left field in the eighth to widen the lead to 9-3. Lunardi answered for the Crusaders in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run shot over the left field fence, but the rally fell short.

Crusader starter Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) allowed six runs, five earned, on four hits and five walks in his 2 1/3 innings on the mound, and was charged with the loss. Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) went six innings in relief, giving up one earned run and striking out five Royals.

May 2: Catholic comeback detrimental to Crusaders Box Score

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Catholic University's Matt Rosner line drive single into left field plated Joseph Maca from second with the game-winning run in the top of the 10th inning as the third-seeded Cardinals upset No. 2-seed Susquehanna University, 17-16, in Game 2 of the 2008 Landmark Conference Baseball Tournament on Friday at Langdon-Goodale Field in Huntingdon, Pa.

The Crusaders (18-20) held a 14-0 lead over Catholic heading into the sixth inning, and were still up 16-8 over the Cardinals going into the top of the ninth.

Catholic (24-13-1) rallied with eight runs in the frame, including two-run doubles from Maca and a two-run single to right-center by Mike Goodman. Pinch hitter Sean Earley capped the ninth-inning portion of the comeback with his two-out, two-run double to right center that scored Patrick Quintana and Robbie O'Brien.

Cardinal reliever Michael Bzozowski came on in the bottom of the ninth in place of Brendan McGowan, and struck out the side to force extra innings.

Bzozowski also managed to work his way out of a jam in the bottom of the 10th inning, after hitting Susquehanna lead-off batter John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson), putting a runner at first with no outs. Lunardi was caught stealing second base, and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) struck out to put the Cardinals one out away from the win.

Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) reached on a fielding error by Catholic shortstop Rosner, again putting the tying run aboard, but Bzozowski forced Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) to ground out and end the game.

Susquehanna put up multiple runs in each of the first four innings to take a 14-0 lead over the Cardinals, including a two-run home run by Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) (right) to key a three-run first inning. The Crusaders posted four runs in the second on two-run singles by Price and Wertman, and added another five runs in the third on four hits and two Catholic errors.

Meanwhile, Lunardi retired the side in three of the first four innings, and carried a no-hitter into the sixth before losing it on a lead-off double to center field by Patrick Quintana, that was misjudged by Susquehanna centerfielder Wertman.

That was the first of four hits and four runs Lunardi would yield in the sixth, including a two-run shot over the left field fences by Goodman.

The Cardinals tacked on four more runs in the seventh, including a pair on a Quintana double to left field, setting the stage for the Catholic comeback in the ninth.

Bzozowski picked up the win for the Cardinals, striking out four of the seven batters he faced in the relief appearance and improving his record to 4-1.

Susquehanna reliever Josh Weber (Salem, N.J./Salem) gave up the final three runs in the Catholic comeback, and took the loss to fall to 0-3.

Catholic advances to Saturday's winner's bracket game against top-seed Juniata College at 12:30 p.m. on Juniata's Langdon-Goodale Field. Susquehanna will face fourth-seed University of Scranton in an elimination game at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

April 27: Crusaders split with Giants in non-conference doubleheader Game 1 Game 2

SELINSGROVE, Pa.-- Seniors Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) and Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) were honored in the final regular season game of the season at Bollinger Field Saturday as the orange and maroon split against Keystone College.

Susquehanna claimed game one of the non-conference doubleheader against the Giants, 7-2. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the second inning when the Crusaders compiled four runs on three hits.

Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) led off the inning being hit by a pitch. Ahearn singled to left center, and on the following play, Donald Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) reached base on an error. Gaccione then drove in Wertman on a single to center field. Kirkland tallied the first out of the inning on the following play as he struck the path of ball hit toward the shortstop, and Kurt Yannelli (Phoenixville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) reached on a fielder's choice. After Ahearn was forced out at home on a fielder's choice hit by John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson), Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) reached base on an error by the third baseman and drove in Gaccione. Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) drove in two runs with a two-out single, rounding out the scoring for the Crusaders in the inning.

Fetter drove in Lunardi in the fourth inning on a double to right centerfield, Ahearn scored on a passed ball in the fifth and Ahearn knocked in Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) in the sixth to round out Susquehanna's run tally.

Lunardi excelled both offensively and defensively, going went 1-for-3 on the day with two RBIs and pitched a two-run, seven-hit complete game replete with five strikeouts.

Despite the 7-3 loss in game two, Price added his name in the record book with his ninth home run of the season, tying the single season school record. Three other men share that honor with Price.

Kirkland also had a standout performance in the second game, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs.

Ahearn chalked up the loss in game two on seven runs, nine hits and four strikeouts.

With Landmark Conference play wrapping up elsewhere around the league, the Crusaders locked up a second seed in the Landmark playoffs. Susquehanna faces Catholic on Friday in game one of a double elimination playoff held at Juniata. The host of the tournament is determined by the top seed in the conference.

April 25: Susquehanna shuts out Muhlenberg Box Score

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Susquehanna University baseball team shut out Muhlenberg College Friday, 10-0. The Crusaders move to 17-18 (11-7 Landmark Conference) while the Mules are 18-17.

Susquehanna opened scoring in the second inning when Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) tripled to center, then scored on a Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) single. The Crusader bats then exploded for eight hits in a seven-run third inning.

The final two runs came on solo home runs, one by John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) in the fifth inning, and another by Kirkland in the sixth.

Kurt Yanelli (Phoenixville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) led the Crusaders with four hits. Kirkland went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Price and Lunardi also had three hits apiece, with Lunardi also stealing two bases and Price one.

Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) pitched 7 2/3 innings, striking out three, to get the win. Josh Weber (Salem, N.J./Salem) went the final 1 1/3 innings, striking out four.

April 22: Susquehanna falls to Elizabethtown, 19-13 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – On Tuesday afternoon at Harold Bollinger Field, the Crusaders fell to the Blue Jays of Elizabethtown College, 19-13. With the loss, Susquehanna dropped to 16-18 overall while the visitors improved to 20-9 on their season.

The Blue Jays opened the game with a strong four-run inning. The first four in the line up all crossed the plate, three on a Jared Auman home run, to tally a commanding 4-0 lead-off inning. The Crusaders grabbed one in the bottom of the inning which Elizabethtown matched before the orange and maroon would go ahead 6-5 thanks to a five-run second.

With bases loaded, junior Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) doubled to left center field to send home three. Fetter soon followed in their footsteps when Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) hammered a home run across the right field fence.

Susquehanna managed one additional in the third to retain their last lead of the game, 7-5. The Blue Jays ran in 12 runs in the next two innings, to which the Crusaders scored three, to seal the game away at 17-10.

In the lingering three innings, both teams fell silent in the seventh but brought home runs in the eighth. Elizabethtown scored two to up the gap to nine. The Crusaders responded with the final three runs of the game as Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) socked a three-run home run to left center field.

Center fielder, John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) led Susquehanna with a 3-for-4 performance, scoring three runs while Rodney Francis went 4-for-6, scoring four runs and adding two RBI for Elizabethtown.

With the 19-13 win, Blue Jay Greg Katz captured his first win of the season, while freshman Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) suffered the loss on the mound for the Crusaders.

April 20: Ahearn grabs100th career hit with home run during 17-7 win Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – Senior Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) hammered his one 100th career hit far across the fence in left center field on Sunday, during a 17-7 Landmark Conference win over the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The game was called after the eighth inning concluded due to weather conditions.

The Crusaders steadily scored throughout the game to bring home runs in every inning but the eighth. On the flip side, the Mariners tallied four of their seven in the sixth.

Scoring opened as center fielder, John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) rounded the bases in to put the Crusaders on the board. With Ahearn on the mound, Susquehanna’s defense was strong to keep the Mariners contained in the second before Kurt Yannelli (Phoenixville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) homered to left field in the bottom of the inning to lead 2-0.

Merchant Marine managed two runs in the third, while the Crusaders tallied three. Lunardi, quick on his feet, stole second before returning home on a Mariner error while Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) advanced to third. Fetter crossed the plate on a Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) RBI single. Price would later add the fifth of the game for the Crusaders, stealing two bases and earning the run on an error by Merchant Marine catcher Jeff Schwind.

Susquehanna again held the Mariners, and scored five additional runs amidst the fourth and fifth innings creating an eight run gap. Stealing bases left and right, Lunardi and Ben Leonard (Johnstown, Pa./Shade) both scored runs in the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, Ahearn tallied his milestone hit in fashion with a home run. Yannelli followed moments later with his second home run of the day to bring home Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) and lead 10-2.

The Mariners batted in four runs in the top of the sixth to decrease the deficit to four; however the orange and maroon responded with two of their own to keep the steady lead. Lunardi doubled to right field followed by Fetter doubling to center field to send Lunardi home. Fetter returned home as Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) stole second.

Susquehanna ended their scoring streak with a strong five-run performance in the seventh. Following a number of substitutions, Kirkland crossed the plate on a Leonard RBI single. Leonard would then score himself, as he and Yannelli tagged on another two thanks to a Fetter double to right field.

Susquehanna’s final runs came as Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) pinch hit for Reichard to send Fetter and Lunardi home for their third and fifth runs of the day.

Merchant Marine had one last chance at a comeback before the rain set in. They scored a solo run in the top of the eight to conclude scoring on the day. With the 17-7 win, the Crusaders improved to 16-17 (11-7 Landmark) while the Mariners fell to 10-19 overall (2-13 Landmark).

Susquehanna was led by Fetter who went 4-for-5 with three runs scored and six RBI, while Jared Fassnacht led the Mariners going 2-for-2 with one run scored and 2 RBI. Ahearn earned himself the win on the mound for the Crusaders, L. James Fioravanti took the loss.

April 19: Susquehanna split doubleheader with visiting Mariners Game 1 Game 2

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – On Saturday afternoon, the Susquehanna University baseball team split a Landmark Conference doubleheader with the Mariners of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

The Crusaders took game one with an 8-3 result; however the Mariners scored 10 unanswered runs in game two to collect a come-from-behind, 13-7 win.  

In game one, Merchant Marine opened scoring in the top of the second with a single run to which Susquehanna responded with three. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) found himself crossing the plate on a Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) RBI single to left field. With the game knotted at ones, pitcher John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) helped his own cause with a two-run home run forcing Brigman home, to up the score 3-1.

After being walked twice, catcher Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) tagged an additional home run onto his season count of eight, when he homered far into left field to bring home Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown).

Trailing 5-1, the Mariners managed one run in the fifth, only to be mirrored by a Crusader run in the bottom of the inning to keep the four-run margin intact. The orange and maroon run came as Ahearn belted the Crusader’s third home run of the game over the fence in left center field.

Merchant Marine tallied their final run of the game when Doug Carter scored on a Mariner double to left center field in the sixth inning. Susquehanna again responded with a single run of their own, as Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) crossed the plate on a passed ball.

Fetter led Susquehanna in game one as he connected with 3-of-4 and scored two runs. Meanwhile, Lunardi collected the win on the mound for the Crusaders while William Richey suffered the loss for Merchant Marine.

In game two, the Mariners managed a come-from-behind win to improve to 10-18 overall (2-12 Landmark), while the Crusaders fell to 15-17 overall (10-7 Landmark).

After scoring two runs in each of the first three innings and a solo run in the fourth, the Crusaders experienced a scoring drought late in the game. Merchant Marine took full advantage of the situation and hammered in 10 runs in the final three innings to win the conference matchup, 13-7.

Lunardi had a stellar game for the Crusaders going 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI. In addition he tallied back-to-back stolen bases, a triple and Susquehanna’s only home run of the game.

Likewise, the Mariners had a standout of their own. Sophomore designated hitter, Mike Bybee sent three home runs across the fence during his four visits to the plate, scored four runs and added two RBI.

Keith Heine was credited with the game two win, while the loss went to Susquehanna's Andy Hergan (Bloomsburg, Pa./Central Columbia).

April 17: Greyhounds grab one-run win from Crusaders Boxscore

BETHLEHEM, Pa.– The Susquehanna University baseball team dropped a one-run decision to Landmark Conference foe Moravian College Thursday. The 5-4 win was the Greyhounds' (15-15, 7-5 Landmark) fourth straight, while the Crusaders (14-16, 9-6 Landmark) suffered a one-run loss for the second day in a row.

Susquehanna took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks to solo home runs by John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) and Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades), who hit his second homer in as many days and seventh on the season.

Moravian then scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning to go ahead 3-2, and added another run an inning later. Susquehanna tied things back up when Zach Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) singled to bring home Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford), who had doubled and stolen second; and Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West), who was on second thanks to a walk and a steal. The Greyhounds scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) went 2-for-5 for Susquehanna and Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) went 2-for-4 with a stolen base.

Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) was tagged for the loss, pitching six innings with three strikeouts and five runs -- three earned. Keith Needham (Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg) closed out the final two innings and gave up two hits.

April 16: Dutchmen shock Crusaders for comeback win Boxscore

ANNVILLE, Pa.– The Susquehanna University baseball team saw an 11-5 lead slip away in the eighth inning as Lebanon Valley completed a seven-run rally to take a 12-11 lead. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Dutchmen (10-16), while the Crusaders fell to 14-15.

Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) once again flashed the big bat, helping the Crusaders to an early 3-0 lead with a first inning two-run homer. A Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) double brought home John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) for the other run of the inning.

Susquehanna scored again in the fourth inning when Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) scored on a Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) sacrifice fly. In the fifth, Lunardi and Price came home thanks to a Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) double.

The Crusaders extended their lead in the late innings with five more runs. Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) hit the second Susquehanna round-tripper of the game, this one a two-run shot, and Lunardi's eighth-inning single plated Gaccione and Kurt Yanelli (Phoenixville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) to seemingly put the game out of reach.

Josh Weber (Salem, N.J./Salem) suffered the loss, as he was tagged for all seven runs in the Dutchman comeback. Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) started the game and went 6 1/3 innings, giving up five hits and striking out two.

With a single in the seventh inning, Price collected his 100th career hit. He is the first sophomore in Crusader history to reach that milestone.

April 12: Crusaders hand Juniata first conference loss Game 1 Game 2

HUNTINGDON, PA – The Susquehanna University baseball team split a Landmark Conference doubleheader with Juniata College Saturday, handing the Eagles (17-8, 10-1 Landmark) their first conference loss of the season in a 20-5 game one win. Juniata turned it around in the second game, beating the Crusaders (14-14, 9-5 Landmark) 19-10.

After a scoreless first inning to start game one, Susquehanna plated nine runs over the next two innings before Juniata scored one. The Crusaders continued to add to their run total, including a six-run sixth inning.

Eight of Susquehanna's nine starters had at least two hits in the game and all had at least one as the team combined for 21 total. Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) walloped two home runs in the game as he went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. He also stole three bases and scored four runs.

Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, and also stole a base. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) also homered for the Crusaders, hitting 3-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) and Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) also had three-hit efforts.

John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) got the win on the mound, pitching five innings and striking out four while giving up only three earned runs.

The tide turned on Susquehanna in the second game, as this time they were victims of the big inning. Juniata jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the bottom of the first, and though they were held scoreless for two innings, the Eagles then put together a 10-run fourth inning. The Crusaders steadily chipped away at the lead but could not overcome it.

Wertman went 2-for-4 in game two with another home run, a double and three RBIs. Lunardi and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) each had doubles. Price went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) suffered the loss, lasting only one inning. Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief, including a three-up, three-down third inning. Josh Weber (Salem, N.J./Salem) pitched 3 2/3 innings over the two games and did not give up a run.

April 11: Susquehanna shut out by Landmark-leading Juniata Boxscore

HUNTINGDON, PA – The Susquehanna University baseball team dropped game one of a weekend series with Juniata College 9-0 on Friday. The Eagles (16-7 overall) maintained a perfect record in the Landmark Conference while the Crusaders fell to 8-4 (13-13 overall).

Both teams were scoreless on the rainy day into the fourth inning, when Juniata broke through for two runs. The Eagles added to their run total in three of the final four innings, but the Crusaders could not match the offensive output, managing only two hits over the game. Those hits came on a Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) double in the sixth inning and a Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) single in the seventh.

Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) pitched 4 2/3 innings and suffered the loss for the Crusaders. Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) came in in relief and went 3 1/3 innings.

The two teams were originally scheduled to complete their three-game set on Sunday, but the games have been moved to Saturday and begin at 1 p.m.

April 8: Panthers pounce on Crusaders Box Score

SELINSGROVE, PA – Burdened by a five-run Panther fourth inning, the Susquehanna Crusaders fell to Pittsburgh-Bradford 12-7 on Tuesday afternoon at Bollinger Field.

Susquehanna opened the game with a good foot as John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson), the Crusader’s first at-bat, returned home via a Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) RBI. The teams went runless in the second before tallying one each in the third, Susquehanna led 2-1.

The Panther’s hitting was enough to put the Crusaders away in the fourth. Pitt-Bradford tallied five runs on five hits in the fourth to lead, 6-2. With bases loaded, Susquehanna attempted a comeback in the bottom of the inning; however the orange and maroon only managed to bring one across the plate.

Scoring was dormant the following two innings until the Panthers ran in three more to advance their lead to six in the seventh, 9-3. Hoping for hot-bats to redeem themselves from the deficit, Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) doubled down the left line. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) followed with a single to right field allowing Price to round the bases home. The inning came to an end with a score of 9-4 in favor of the Panthers.

With a comfortable lead, after seeing a handful of Crusader pitchers, Pitt-Bradford tagged on another three runs in the ninth to total their scoring at 12. Susquehanna responded with three of their own as Pat Murph (Landenberg, Pa./Avon Grove), Nick Vasilenko (Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan) and Ahearn each made it home. The game ended with two Crusaders left on base, improving the Panthers to 7-12 overall, while the Crusaders dropped to 13-12 on their season with the 12-7 loss.
 
The Crusaders were led by Price who went 3-for-4 with a run and Ahearn who was 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI. Leading the Panthers, Phil Solley went 3-for-5 while scoring three runs for the visiting team.

April 6: Crusaders take third game in series with Catholic Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University baseball team won the third of a three-game weekend set with Catholic University Sunday, 6-4. The Crusaders (13-11, 8-3 Landmark) split two games with the Cardinals (12-11, 4-5 Landmark) on Saturday.

After Catholic scored one run in their half of the first, Crusaders picked up where they left off in Saturday's second game, as once again they put together a solid first inning with some extra-base pop. John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) reached on a single to left, and Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) singled up the middle to advance him to third. Lunardi then scored as Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) reached on a fielder's choice. Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) followed that with a homer to left center to bring home Reichard.

Susquehanna added another run in the third inning after Price reached first on an error, then stole second and came home on a Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) double. The Crusaders then added two more runs in the seventh inning when Lunardi doubled to left center and Reichard again brought him home, this time with a home run shot to right center field.

Catholic struck for three runs in the top of the ninth -- all on a home run by Joseph Devine -- but Josh Weber (Salem, N.J./Salem) struck out Patrick Quintana to end the Cardinal threat.

Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) got the win on the mound for the Crusaders, pitching eight innings and striking out 10 Cardinals, only giving up four hits. He also helped his own cause with two hits from the designated hitter spot.

April 5: Crusaders split Landmark twinbill with Catholic Game 1 Game 2

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University baseball team suffered a tough 2-1 loss to Catholic University in the first game of a Landmark Conference doubleheader Saturday, but came back with a vengeance to take game two, 13-6.

After the Crusaders (12-11, 7-3 Landmark) mustered just four hits in the first game, they smacked 14 in the second. The Cardinals (12-10, 4-4 Landmark) had seven hits in the first game and 12 in game two.

Susquehanna struck early in game one, as Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) singled to center, then stole second, then advanced to third on a Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) single and scored on a wild pitch. That would be all the offense the Crusaders would muster, although the run held up until Catholic tied the game in the top of the fifth and scored the winning run in the sixth.

Brigman and Price were both 2-for-3 for Susquehanna. John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) pitched a complete game, giving up four hits while striking out five and walking none.

In game two, Catholic got one hit but Susquehanna turned a double play to end the top of the first inning. Then the Crusaders bats came to life as Lunardi singled and stole second, then Price homered to bring home Lunardi and Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville), who had reached on an error. Kyle Wertman (Havertown, Pa./Haverford) added a fourth run with a solo homer.

Catholic tied the game in a seven-hit top of the third inning, but Susquehanna regained the lead in their half when Reichard walked, then advanced to third on a Price double and scored on a Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) groundout.

The Crusaders then exploded for eight runs in the fifth inning on seven hits as they went through the batting order. Ahearn scored Reichard on a single, then Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) walked with the bases loaded to bring in Ahearn. Price scored on a wild pitch and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) singled up the middle to drive in two runs. Ben Leonard (Johnstown, Pa./Shade) brought home Gaccione with a groundout, then Reichard batted again and drove in two runs with a single.

The Cardinals got a two-run homer in the top of the sixth, but both teams were offensively spent and Crusader lead would hold. Andy Hergan (Bloomsburg, Pa./Central Columbia) pitched four innings in relief, with three hits and three strikouts, to earn the win.

Price went 4-for-4 in the game with three RBIs and two runs scored. Reichard was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, three runs scored and a walk. Gaccione was also 2-for-3 and drove in a run.

April 1: Bloomsburg 14, Susquehanna 6 Box Score

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Despite scoring five runs in the top of the second, the Susquehanna University baseball team fell 14-6 to Bloomsburg at Litwhiler Field on Tuesday evening.

Susquehanna (11-10, 5-2 Landmark) entered the top of the second with a Pat Murphy (Landenberg, Pa./Avon Grove) home run that in turn led to the Crusaders unleashing four more, to go ahead, 5-0. Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown) each rounded the bases and returned home via help of a Husky error. John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) then doubled to advance Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) to third. Lunardi and Brigman both proceeded to sneak home as Nick Vasilenko (Spring Lake Heights, N.J./Manasquan) singled allowing Susquehanna’s fourth and fifth of the day.

The Crusaders valiant second inning was reversed by Bloomsburg’s 14 runs scored amongst the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. To the Husky’s 14, the Crusaders managed one. Vasilenko reached on a fielder’s choice and rounded the bases with thanks to singles from Reichard and Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades), to capture the Crusaders final run of the day.

The score stood still through the Crusader’s third out in the top of the ninth. The Huskies (8-19) won, 14-6.

Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) went 4-for-5 to lead the Crusaders, while Tony Donofry did the same at the plate for Bloomsburg.

Mike Rosetti picked up the win for Bloomsburg in relief with four innings of work, while Jason D’Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) suffered the loss for the orange and maroon.

March 30: Susquehanna 17, Drew 4 Box Score

MADISON, N.J. – The Crusader baseball team concluded a two-day, three game sweep of the Drew Rangers on Sunday afternoon with a dominating 17-4 victory at.

At Doc Young Field, Susquehanna (11-9, 5-2 Landmark) played a consistent game scoring in every inning bar the eighth while pounding through Drew’s five pitchers with 19 hits and 12 walks.

Susquehanna scored two in the first and fourth and one apiece in the second and third before pummeling out four runs in the fifth to go up 10-1. Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) was first to score in the top of the inning on a John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) RBI single. Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) then tripled to bring Vasilenko and Lunardi home before crossing the plate himself on a wild pitch.

In the following inning, Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) hit his third home run of the weekend with first baseman Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) on second to tag on yet another two runs. The Rangers responded with two runs of their own, also on a home run, to bring the score to 12-3 entering the seventh.

In the seventh, a Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) single backed by a Pat Murphy (Landenberg, Pa./Avon Grove) triple would bring in one run and allow for another as Murphy then advanced home on a wild pitch. The Rangers would score one additional run in the seventh before Susquehanna polished off the scoring in the ninth with a Zak Hill (Gilboa, N.Y./Gilboa) home run to bring home two.

A number of Crusaders tallied impressive numbers during the third match-up of the weekend. Ahearn finished 4-for-6 with one run and four RBIs, while Vasilenko went 2-for3 with three runs and an RBI.

Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) got his third win of the season while pitching the initial six innings of the game, while Ranger Giovanni Marcini recorded the loss for Drew.

March 29: Crusaders roll over Rangers in doubleheader Game 1 Game 2

MADISON, N.J. – The Susquehanna University baseball team picked up two Landmark Conference wins over Drew University (3-13, 2-5 Landmark), winning 15-4 and 6-1 in Madison on Saturday.

The Crusaders (10-9, 5-2 Landmark) got complete games from both pitchers. John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) benefitted from an offensive explosion in game one, but did his part with five strikeouts. In game two, Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) went the distance and also struck out five, only giving up one run on four hits.

The Susquehanna offense was led in the first game by Don Kirkland's (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) two home runs, which drove in four runs. Chris Price (Coral Springs, FL/Coral Glades) went 2-for-3 with a home run and a double and two RBIs, and Zack Brigman (Yardville, NJ/Hamilton West) was 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) also drove in two runs on two hits.

In the second game, Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) had the big bat, going 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Susquehanna also got RBIs from Ahearn and Kirkland.

March 26: Bucknell 18, Susquehanna 7 Box Score

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Susquehanna baseball team fell to local Division I opponent, Bucknell University 18-7 on Wednesday afternoon at Depew Field. The win, which was the fourth straight for the Bison, moves the squad to 10-9-2 on the season, while the Crusaders fall to 8-9.

A seven-run opening inning followed by a five-run second inning set the tone early for the Bison. Batting around for two consecutive innings, the Bison led 12-0 entering the third.

In the top of the third, the Crusaders began with four straight hits, including a John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) double backed by a bases-clearing double by Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville). In all, four Crusaders crossed the plate in the third, as a fifth crossed in the fourth to trail 7-5, with Bucknell up to bat.

After a runless third, the Bison responded with three in the fourth and an extra two in the team’s next turn at-bat to lead 17-6. Susquehanna’s sixth came thanks to a Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) one-out triple backed by a Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) sacrifice fly to bring him home.

The teams traded runs in the eighth, the Crusaders scoring on an RBI groundout by Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) bringing home Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West), as Bucknell capitalized on an error allowing Jared Kuhmerker to cross the plate.

Bucknell sophomore John Avanzino led the game going 5-for-6 with four RBIs and three runs scored, while Lunardi went 2-for-3 with one run for the Crusaders.

Andy Hergan (Bloomsburg, Pa./Central Columbia) took the loss (0-2) on the mound, while freshman Daniel Hart earned the victory for the Bison.

March 24: Crusaders win one in tripleheader with Scranton Game 1 Game 2 Game 3

SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Due to a rescheduled doubleheader thanks to Saturday's snow, the Susquehanna University baseball team played an unprecedented tripleheader with the University of Scranton Monday. The Royals took game one, 2-1, and game three, 9-8, while the Crusaders won game two, 4-1.

In the first game, John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) pitched a strong game, giving up four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out 11 batters and walking only one. The 11 strikeouts were a Susquehanna single-game record. Lunardi's effort included a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh as he struck out the first batter looking and sent the second two down swinging.

The offense could not capitalize on Lunardi's effort, only coming away with one run. Kyle Wertman (Havertown, PA/Haverford) scored in the bottom of the sixth on a Pat Murphy (Landenberg, PA/Avon Grove) double. Murphy led the Crusaders at the plate in game one, going 1-for-3 with the RBI. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) was also 1-for-3 in that game.

Susquehanna's game two win came thanks in part to a 3-for-3 effort by Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville), who had two doubles, an RBI and a run scored. Ben Leonard (Johnstown, PA/Shade) added an RBI triple and Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) and Ahearn also drove in runs.

The Crusaders got a second complete game on the day, this one from freshman Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford), who only surrendered three hits and and two walks while striking out three.

Game three was a see-saw battle, with Scranton jumping ahead early and Susquehanna tying things up in the third. A four-run sixth inning seemed to put the game out of reach for the Royals, but the Crusaders nearly pulled off the rally with a three-run ninth. The two teams combined for 25 hits in the game.

Lunardi did his part at the plate this game, going 2-for-3 with two walks, an RBI and three runs scored, and flashed quick feet with two stolen bases. Kirkland went 3-for-5 with an RBI, and Price went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Ahearn took the loss on the mound, going five and two-thirds innings. Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, NJ/Rumson Fair Haven) went three and a third innings in relief.

March 20: Crusaders blast Bullets, 21-9 Box score

GETTYSBURG, Pa. - The weather cooperated for the first time this week, and the Susquehanna University baseball team was ready to take advantage, earning a 21-9 win over Gettysburg College in a game rescheduled from Wednesday.

The Crusaders picked up 20 hits, with all but one starter getting at least one. They also went through the batting order in two different innings.

Susquehanna struck first as John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson), who reached on an error, came home on a Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) double. The Crusaders added four in the third inning on three hits, including a triple from Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic).

The two teams traded runs through the third and top of the fourth, then Gettysburg added another in the fifth to make it 5-3. The Crusader bats heated up in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring six runs on five hits. Price had a two-RBI double and Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) added two more RBIs with a triple.

Gettysburg responded with three runs in their half of the sixth to stay within six, but Susquehanna put the game away in the top of the eighth with eight runs on six hits, four walks and a hit batter. Fifteen Crusaders batted in the inning.

One more run would cross for the Crusaders in the ninth as Kyle Wertman (Havertown, PA/Haverford) doubled to score Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville).

Kirkland led Susquehanna at the plate, going 5-for-6 with two doubles, a triple, and four RBIs. Price went 3-for-5 with three doubles and five RBIs. Ahearn drove in four runs on two hits, including a double and triple. Reichard was 2-for-5 with an RBI, two runs scored and two walks. Zack Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) was 1-for-3 with two walks and three runs scored and Wertman was 2-for-6 with a walk, two runs scored and three RBIs.

Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) went six innings for the win (2-1), giving up six runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out one. Keith Needham (Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg) pitched the finals three innings, giving up three runs on four hits to earn his first save of the season.

March 15: Susquehanna 8, Moravian 1; Susquehanna 7, Moravian 4 Game 1, Game 2

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Susquehanna University baseball team opened Landmark Conference play using strong hitting to take two games from Moravian College, 8-1 and 7-4.

The Crusaders collected 11 hits in the first game and nine more in the second. Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) led the charge, going 4-for-8 on the day with four RBIs and three runs scored. He also stole a base in each game.

In the first game, Moravian plated their lone run in the fourth inning, but that would be all the offense they could muster. Susquehanna came to life in the top of the fifth, when Zach Brigman (Yardville, N.J./Hamilton West) reached on an error and Don Kirkland (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) scored. A Price single to left field then scored Ben Leonard (Johnstown, Pa./Shade), pinch-running for Brigman, and Barry Fetter (Middletown, Pa./Middletown). Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) scored on a passed ball, then a Kyle Wertman (Havertown, PA/Haverford) single brought Price home.

The Crusaders added another run in the sixth on a John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) double that brought Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) home.

In the seventh inning, Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) singled to left field to bring Reichard home and a Kirkland single scored Wertman from second.

Kirkland, Price, and Wertman each went 2-for-4 in the first game. Lunardi pitched the complete game, giving up five hits and walking one with six strikeouts.

The Greyhounds again struck first in game two, this time taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Susquehanna responded in the top of the second as Price scored on a Kirkland sacrifice fly, and tied the game in the fourth when Price reached on an error to score Wertman, who had tripled, then came home himself on an Ahearn double.

Moravian added a run in the fifth inning to re-take the lead, but Susquehanna would tie things back up in the sixth on back-to-back doubles by Wertman and Price.

A Lunardi triple in the seventh brought in two more runs, and he then scored on a Gaccione single to give the Crusaders the final 7-4 advantage.

Wertman went 2-for-4 in the second game with two runs scored and Ahearn and Leonard each went 1-for-3.

Susquehanna got its second complete game of the day from Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford), who gave up five hits, walked one and struck out one.

March 12: Messiah 4, Susquehanna 3

GRANTHAM, Pa. - The Crusader baseball team fell to the Falcons of Messiah College on Wednesday evening by a score of 4-3.

Susquehanna struck first in the top of the sixth when Zack Brigman (Yardville, NJ/Hamilton West) scored off a Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) RBI single to right field. Messiah responded with three unanswered runs in the following two innings to lead 3-1 entering the ninth.

The Crusaders battled the two-run deficit to knot the game at three apiece with an impressive showing in the ninth. Reichard led off with another single to right field and advanced to second after Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) proceeded to first on a walk. Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) grounded out allowing the base runners to advance to second and third.

Junior Kyle Wertman (Havertown, PA/Haverford) stepped to the plate and connected with a RBI double to center field bringing home both Reichard and Price to bind the game at three.

Messiah took the game in the ninth when Ben Snyder doubled to left field and returned home on a Sheldon Witmer single. With the Witmer RBI the Falcons improved to 4-5 overall as the Crusaders dropped to 4-6 overall.

Susquehanna was led by Wertman who went 3-for-4 and Reichard who finished 2-for-4 on the day.

Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) led the pitching efforts for the orange and maroon for the first seven innings and was later relieved by Rob Fox (Bel Air, MD/John Carroll School). Josh Weber (Salem, NJ/Salem) relieved Fox to pitch the final 1 1/3 innings. Pitching the majority of the game for the Falcons was Travis Thome until Ben Jordan relieved him with 1/3 of the ninth remaining.

March 8: St. Scholastica 13, Susquehanna 2

March 7: Susquehanna 8, Neumann 4; Susquehanna 11, Neumann 5; Susquehanna 6, Kenyon 0

March 4: Northwood 10, Susquehanna 5; Northwood 12, Susquehanna 2

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - The Susquehanna University baseball team dropped a pair of games to Division II Northwood University Tuesday, falling 10-5 and 12-2.

In the opener, the Timberwolves struck first with a pair of runs in the top of the first, but the Crusaders answered with three of their own in the bottom of the inning. John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) scored from third on a Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) triple, then Reichard scored on Chris Price's (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) single. Price came home two batters later on an error.

Susquehanna would add another run in the third when a Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) single plated Price, then scored their final run in the seventh when Pat Murphy (Landenberg, PA/Avon Grove) singled Reichard home.

Jason D'Amico (Red Bank, N.J./Rumson Fair Haven) took the loss on the mound for the Crusaders, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up 10 hits, striking out four. Price was 4-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and two runs scored, while Murphy was 3-for-4 with an RBI.

In the second game, Northwood scored five runs before Susquehanna brought home two in the sixth. A Murphy single scored Reichard, then Ahearn doubled home Price. The Timberwolves scored seven runs in the next inning to blitz the Crusader rally.

Kevin Riordan (Morristown, N.J./Delbarton School) pitched five innings, giving up nine hits, walking four and striking out four. Freshman Andy Hergan (Bloomsburg, Pa./Central Columbia) struck out two in an inning of relief. Reichard was 1-for-1 and drew two walks and scored a run, while Murphy capped a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Crusaders next face Eastern College at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

March 3: Susquehanna 6, Elizabethtown 5 (10 innings)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- The Susquehanna University baseball team rallied from a three-run deficit to force extra innings with Elizabethtown College Monday afternoon, then John Lunardi's (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) bases-loaded walk with two outs in the bottom of the 10th gave the Crusaders the win.

The Crusaders and Blue Jays were nearly even on hits, as Elizabethtown had 12 to Susquehanna's 11, but a walk was the difference.

Junior Rob Fox (Bel Air, Md./John Carroll School) got the win on the mound for the Crusaders, with three scoreless innings in relief of senior Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic), who went seven innings, giving up five runs and striking out five.

Junior Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) led the Crusaders at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a run scored. Freshman left fielder Pat Murphy (Landenberg, PA/Avon Grove)added two hits and a run.

March 2: Alvernia 5, Susquehanna 0 (Game 1); Alvernia 8, Susquehanna 2 (Game 2)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- The Susquehanna University baseball team opened its season in Florida Sunday, dropping a doubleheader to Alvernia College.

Alvernia struck early with one run in the first inning. Susquehanna threatened in the fourth with back-to-back hits to put runners at second and third with one out, but Alvernia pitcher Shane Zellers helped his own effort by snaring a line drive for one out then getting a strikeout to end the inning.

Junior John Lunardi (West Chester, Pa./Henderson) went the distance in the opener, striking out eight while walking four, with two earned runs. Alvernia had 11 base hits in the game to Susquehanna's three.

Susquehanna got the first run of the second game after Lunardi, leading off and playing center in this game, was hit by a Steve Geisel pitch. The next two runners reached base and Geisel then walked junior Tyler Reichard (Danville, Pa./Danville) with one out. Sophomore Chris Price (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Glades) then hit a grounder to score Lunardi.

Alvernia answered in the bottom of the first, then added one run in the second and three in the third. Susquehanna made it 5-2 in the top of the fifth as Lunardi reached home again, but Alvernia would add three more runs in the bottom of the inning to complete the scoring.

Senior first baseman Brian Ahearn (Avon, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) had two hits for Susquehanna while Jason Gaccione (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills West) and Price had the RBIs.