Box Score

WAYNESBURG, Pa. (April 10) – The Waynesburg University baseball team overcame an early deficit and tied Washington & Jefferson heading into the late innings of Wednesday's Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) showdown. Unfortunately for Waynesburg, the Presidents put together three late runs and downed the Yellow Jackets 5-2 to complete the season series sweep.
 
W&J (10-1, 15-5) managed to put together a run in the first inning, before the Jackets (2-6, 9-12) could record an out. However, freshman pitcher Brian Resnik limited the early damage and a heads up defensive play by senior third baseman Tim Chilcote held W&J to just one run in the opening frame.
 
Waynesburg's offense managed to get leadoff runners on in both the second and third innings, but were unable to even the score. The Presidents doubled its advantage with a run in the top of the fourth, putting together three hits to make it 2-0. Resnik was able to pick off a runner in the fourth to help limit the Presidents' offensive impact. It was the first of three different successful pickoffs by Waynesburg pitchers.
 
Still trailing 2-0, the home team got its offense clicking in the fifth inning. Sophomore designated hitter Neal Yakopin reached base on an infield single to start the frame. Freshman catcher Derrick Zavatsky continued his hot hitting with a single through the right side, before right fielder Adam Horning laid down a perfectly placed bunt to sacrifice both runners into scoring position. Senior second baseman David Houseman then delivered a clutch hit to plate Yakopin and cut the Presidents' advantage to 2-1. Senior shortstop Kyle Sasala put the ball in play for an RBI groundout that tied the contest at 2-2.
 
Both teams' offenses failed to plate any runs in the sixth or seventh innings as the two bullpens kept the bats quiet. W&J finally broke through in the top of the eighth inning to retake the lead at 3-2 following a sacrifice fly.
 
The Presidents added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning to push their advantage to 5-2. Waynesburg had a chance to rally in the ninth, bringing the tying run to the plate with just one out. However, W&J brought in shortstop Kyle McLain pitch, and he responded by closing the door on the victory.
 
Senior outfielder Nick Berdine paced the Jacket offense with two hits. Five other Waynesburg hitters collected a hit a piece to round out the offense for the home team. Resnik worked four innings and allowed just two runs on eight hits, while striking out three Presidents. Sean Boyle threw two shutout innings in the middle of the contest. Freshman Tyler Prevost took the loss in relief after giving up three runs (one earned) in three innings.
 
Waynesburg will be back in action on Friday afternoon, when it travels to Beaver Falls, Pa. for a single nine-inning contest to start a weekend series with Geneva College. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.