March 11, 2007

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

TAMPA, Fla. - The start of the 2007 baseball season turned out to be the complete opposite of the start of the record-breaking 2006 campaign. A year after the Red Hawks opened their season with a sweep of Arcadia University (PA) Ripon saw themselves on the other end of the sweep Sunday. Arcadia defeated Ripon 3-0 in the first game, before winning the second game 10-6.

The Red Hawks were behind almost from the outset. Arcadia's centerfielder led the game off with a triple to right centerfield. That was promptley followed by a double, giving Arcadia an early 1-0 lead before Ripon even had a chance to bat.

Ripon could only muster two hits in the first game, but had their best opportunity to score in the first inning. The Red Hawks loaded the bases with one out on an error and two walks. Their rally quickly died however, as the next two batters were retired on a fielders choice and a strikeout, respectively.

Arcadia was held in check for the next few innings until they got a run in both the fifth and sixth innings. That would be all they would need however, as their pitcher Pennepacker would close out the game. Pennepacker pitched all seven innings, allowing two hits, while striking out 10 batters and allowing just two walks.

Game two was a much more offensive display. Arcadia got on the board first, scoring on a groundout in the second inning. Ripon had an answer this time, as they scored four runs the following inning. The biggest blow coming thanks to Chevy Schultz's bases loaded triple, clearing the bases and giving Ripon their first lead of the season. Schultz would score one batter later on an error by Arcadia.

That lead was short-lived. Arcadia shot back with eight runs in the bottom of the fourth, giving them a 9-4 lead. They would score an insurance run in the sixth inning, all but assuring themselves of the sweep. Ripon would score twice more in the final fram, but it was too little, too late.

Schultz led the way for the Red Hawks in the second game, going two-for-three, including a double and triple, with three RBI and two runs scored. John Dunlavy and Alex Duros also batted in one run apiece. Duros was the only other Red Hawk with two hits.

The Red Hawks will try to crack the win column Monday, as they'll play a doubleheader against Gettysburg College (PA). Gametime is set for 12:00 p.m. EST at Florida College in Tampa, Fla.