Penn State Shenango faced a tough doubleheader against Franciscan University, dropping both games on Wednesday. Despite moments of promise, the Lions were unable to contain Franciscan's offensive surge.
In Game 1, Franciscan's bats were on fire, racking up 20 runs on 13 hits. Penn State Shenango struggled to gain momentum at the plate, tallying only five hits in the 20-0 loss. JA Quahliero was a bright spot for the Lions, going 3-for-3 at the plate. Josh Divens also added a double in a pinch-hit appearance. On the mound, Nate Evans took the loss, surrendering nine earned runs in less than an inning. Relievers Luke Atterholt, Jacob Werner, Will Perry, and Logan Cypher combined to finish the game, but the damage had already been done. Defensively, Shenango committed three errors, further complicating their efforts.
Game 2 showed more signs of life for Shenango, highlighted by a powerful performance from Jason Malley. Malley launched a home run and drove in four runs, providing a much-needed spark for the Lions. Troy Bachman and Dante Micaletti each contributed two hits, with Micaletti adding a double to his stat line. Shenango demonstrated greater discipline at the plate, forcing two walks and putting consistent pressure on Franciscan's defense. However, Franciscan's offensive depth once again proved overwhelming, with a 10-run eighth inning putting the game out of reach. Pitcher Nick Osborne held strong through the early innings but ultimately took the loss, allowing seven earned runs over 7.1 innings.
While the final scores were not in their favor, the Lions showed resilience and glimpses of their offensive potential. As they continue to build chemistry and refine their game, the team remains optimistic about their season ahead. With standout performances from Malley and Quahliero, there are clear positives to carry forward.
The Lions will look to bounce back as they return to action on Sunday, March 23rd, when they face Lorain County Community College.
