Box Score

READING, Pa. – With a huge first pitch one run bomb from Matt Pannella, and an RBI single up the middle from Tom Canuso baseball (9-22) capped off a six-run rally to defeat Ursinus College (14-19) by the final score of 12-11 Wednesday afternoon on Kelchner Field to close out their 2011 non-conference schedule.

Pannella's bomb would lead-off the bottom of the ninth and tie the game at 11-11. The Lions would then load the bases, following an infield error, a walk, and a perfectly placed bunt, all with no outs on the scoreboard. Just like Pannella, Canuso would take the first pitch he saw in his final at-bat and drive deep into the outfield, scoring pinch runner Nate Peiffer.

The walk-off victory was the second of the year for the Lions on Kelchner Field, with the first recorded on April 10 in the 8-7 game-two win over Arcadia University.

Setting up what would become the game winning frame, was a four-run bottom of the eighth, which was highlighted by four singles, a hits batter, and a catcher's interference. Getting the one, despite only going one inning was freshman Collin Hecker, the first of his collegiate career.

Pannella whose only at-bat was the solo home run capped off an 18 hit performance by the Lions. Justin Danser continued to swing his hot-bat going 4-for-6 with an RBI and four runs scored. Pat Brady and Cansuo were both just as hot each putting up three hits.

Ursinus was just as strong at the plate as they totaled 11 hits in Wednesday's loss. Ben Gresh led his team with a 3-for-4 afternoon, which included three RBI and three runs scored. On the bump it was Jake Kohler who was handed his second loss of the year after giving-up the final six runs, four of which were earned, on seven hits in two innings of work.

The first three innings were identical as both teams each scored one run in the first and two in the third. Ursinus gained some breathing room through the middle three innings, as they outscored the Lions 5-3. They then put-up three more runs in the seventh to take an 11-6 lead.

After a scoreless bottom of the seventh, the Lions roared their way back both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Mike Grantham would keep Ursinus off the scoreboard in the eighth, and Hecker would follow suit in the ninth.

While the two pitchers were holding the Bears scoreless, Albright quickly chipped away at the then five-run deficit. A four-run eighth, capped off by the two huge runs in the ninth would seal the Lions final non-conference win of the year.

Baseball will return to Kelchner Field this Friday for a 3:30 p.m. conference game with Alvernia University. Prior to the start of Friday's game the senior class will be honored.