Box Score

GRANTHAM, Pa – Despite a good pitching performance by the trio of Kevin O'Neill, Kevin Thomas and Tyler Storms, baseball (2-11, 0-3 Commonwealth Conference) fell to Messiah College (7-11, 3-0) by the score of 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon at Messiah's Baseball Park.

The primary reason for Tuesday's loss was an error filled afternoon by the Lions. Albright committed seven errors, which led to four of Messiah's five runs.

O'Neill started the day on the hill for the Lions and was solid throughout. He allowed four runs in six innings, but all of the runs were unearned. He also struck out two and walked three before departing. Thomas and Storms combined to throw the final two innings out of the bullpen while allowing one run.

The Falcons first dented the scoreboard in the second inning. Jacob Sprengle and Jon Lapp both scored to give Messiah a 2-0 advantage. An inning later, Jamie Scott recorded an RBI single to bring home Paul Mellinger and give the home side a 3-0 lead. Messiah added to their final total with one run apiece in the fourth and eighth innings.

The visiting Lions were able to record seven hits on the day by seven different players. Six players knocked singles, while sophomore Jared Ruppert accounted for Albright's lone extra base hit of the day with a double in the top of the seventh. The Lions were able to get runners on base, but they failed to come up with any big hits to bring them in. On the day, Albright left nine runners on base.

A major reason for Albright's struggles at the plate was the pitching of Messiah's Travis Thome. Thome threw all nine innings while allowing seven hits. He also struck out seven and walked one in recording his third victory of the season.

Baseball will return to action when they travel to Muhlenberg College for a non-conference game on Thursday at 4 p.m.