CARY, N.C. – A shutout by senior
James Varela helped lead the LIU Post baseball team to a 5-0 win over East Stroudsburg University Friday afternoon in its first of four games at the USA Baseball Complex.
Varela notched his first complete game of the season, striking out nine batters, scattering four hits and not allowing a run to earn the shutout. At the plate, senior
Michael Greene had a triple and three RBIs, freshman
David Franchi added two hits and one run while senior
Anthony Vaglica had one hit and one RBI. Sophomore
Christopher Wasson also contributed one hit and one run. As a team, the Pioneers stole five bases which was a season-best.
Wasson started his time at the USA Baseball Complex off on a high note, doubling down the left field line in the top of the first. Vaglica drew a walk to lead off the top of the second and Greene followed by reaching on a fielder's choice to shortstop then stealing second. The Pioneers ended the top of the third with runners on second and third after Mendyk drew a walk then stole second; he then advanced to third on the throw after senior
Reynaldo Guillen grounded out to the pitcher. Wasson then drew a walk and stole second but LIU Post was unable to capitalize.
Varela struck out two Warriors in both the bottom of the fourth and fifth but it was not until the top of the eighth that LIU Post put its first runs on the scoreboard. Wasson, Brehm and senior
Michael Manzione each drew walks then Vaglica singled through the left side, scoring Wasson. Sophomore Jasiah Greene followed by reaching on a fielder's choice then
Michael Greene tripled down the right field line and scored Jasiah Greene, Vaglica and Manzione. The Pioneers ended the frame with a 4-0 lead.
The bottom of the eighth saw Varela fan another two batters and LIU Post would add another run in the top of the ninth; Franchi singled to first base then stole second. Wasson got on base after being hit by a pitch and Brehm followed by flying out to center field, Franchi scored unearned to give the Pioneers a 5-0 lead, which would be the final score of the game.
Up Next
LIU Post returns to the USA Baseball Complex tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. for a matchup with Slippery Rock University (3-3).