Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

GRANTHAM, Pa. - After a very long and tough couple of weeks, the Lions (7-21/4-11 CC) finally walked away from a Saturday doubleheader with something to smile about as the red and white swept conference opponent Messiah College (13-15/4-8 CC) by the final scores of 6-2 and 4-2 Saturday afternoon at Starry Field.

Both victories avenged the tough 10 inning loss that the Lions suffered less than 24 hours ago at the hands of the Falcons. Solid pitching throughout the doubleheader gave Albright the push they needed to take the back-to-back victories.

In the opener sophomore righty Matt Rehrig walked away with his first win of the year after going all seven innings and allowing just two runs on two hits. He also tallied four strikeouts and walked just three Falcons.

Albright wasted little time getting on the scoreboard Saturday afternoon scoring four of their six runs in the very first inning. Driving in two of the four opening runs was sophomore first baseman Tommy Canuso.

Justin Danser also made his way around the base paths after reaching on an error by the pitcher. The junior eventually scored on a wild pitch. Canuso eventually made his way around the diamond as well scoring on an RBI single by Jon Raymond.

After holding Messiah scoreless in the bottom half of the first, the Lions went right back to work in the second scoring their final two runs of the game. Both Danser and Canuso would each drive in a run to give Albright a 6-0 lead at the time.

The Falcons first run of the afternoon did not come until the third inning when Adam Ranck scored on a Sam Tajiri groundout to the shortstop. Ranck, who was a monster at the plate yesterday on Kelchner, went 1-for-2 in the opener with an RBI and a run scored.

Messiah eventually scored their second run of the afternoon in the seventh after, Rehrig and the Lions defense held the Falcons scoreless for three complete innings.

Getting the loss was Nate Roten, who after seven complete allowed six runs on five hits. However, only three of the runs were earned, as the Falcons defense was charged with four errors.

In the nightcap, freshman Kevin O'Neill picked up his first collegiate victory after going six complete innings. The Sinking Spring native was solid allowing just two runs on four hits, while striking out two Messiah batters.

Senior Kevin Butler earned his first save of the year, after allowing just one hit in the seventh.

As compared to game one, the Lions had to work a lot harder to get the win in game two. After falling into a 2-0 hole after the first two innings, the red and white battled back in the sixth and scored three runs to take a 3-2 lead. They then sealed the victory in the seventh with their fourth and final run, an RBI single by Canuso.

In the breakout sixth inning, the Lions scored their three runs on three hits and once again took advantage of key Messiah errors. Earning RBI singles in the game winning frame was Jojo Fischer, Kyle McGee, and Raymond.

Also making solid contact in game two was Shane Stein who picked up a double in the third and Danser who went 3-for-4.

Junior pitcher Eric Spring was handed the loss for the Falcons after giving up the four runs on 10 hits. On the day Spring tallied seven strikeouts, while only walking one Albright batter.

Baseball returns to action on Monday when they face nationally ranked Division II opponent Kutztown University at First Energy Stadium in Reading. Opening pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Any fan interested in going to Monday's game can purchase a ticket at the gate for only $5, and any fan unable to make it out to the game can listen live as Albright play-by-play announcer Bob McCool will have the call Monday evening.