Game 1 Box Score - Game 2 Box Score
By Cody Swartz, GoMessiah.com reporter
Reading, PA — Maybe it was a return to Pennsylvania that the Falcons needed to put the team on the right track. Or maybe it was the start of Commonwealth Conference play.
Either way, Messiah took both games of a Saturday double-header against league foe Albright College, winning the first by a 6-4 score and the second by a decisive 6-0 margin — all in the team's first games back after a week-long trip to Florida.
Backed by a strong pitching performance from senior Eric Spring in the first game and a gem by junior Tory Arnesen in the nightcap, the Falcons now own a 2-0 record in conference games, after posting just a 2-5 mark while in the Sunshine State.
“It's always tough to win two conference games in a day on the road,” said Steve DeRiggs, Messiah head baseball coach. “I think Florida made us a better team for back here and I would like to continue our momentum.”
Spring (1-2) threw all seven innings in the first game, allowing five hits and two earned runs, while picking up the win. Although he struggled with his control — walking six — Spring escaped a two-on situation in the bottom of the last inning to give the Falcons a win.
“Eric had a gutsy performance for us,” DeRiggs said. “He showed a lot of courage. He didn't have his best stuff but he bore down and sometimes you just have to win a game without your best stuff.”
Spring was also backed by terrific defense, specifically junior shortstop John Brubaker who helped the Falcons turn three double plays to end innings — all coming with two men on base, including a double play with the winning run at the plate that secured the Falcons' win.
“John Brubaker had an outstanding day defensively,” DeRiggs said. “Not only did he turn the game-ending double play, but he was very consistent and just made terrific plays throughout the whole game.”
On offense, Messiah (6-11, 2-0) was consistent, scoring six runs in each game, including a four-run outburst in the top of the sixth inning that put Messiah in the lead for good.
Juniors Sam Tajiri and Wes Hollenbach each had two hits, a run scored, and two RBI in the first contest, with Tajiri adding two steals and Hollenbach adding one. Freshman Jon Lapp collected two hits as well, driving in a run, and junior Ryan Brown, senior Sean Hart and senior Jamie Scott each scored runs in the win.
The victory carried over to Game Two, as junior Tory Arnesen (2-1) threw a complete game two-hit shutout in arguably the finest pitching performance the Falcons have had this year. Arnesen — who threw just 77 pitches — didn't allow a hit past the third inning.
“Thor was outstanding,” DeRiggs said. “He had total command of his pitches, and he and (catcher Ryan Brown) were on the same page all game. Thor had good rhythm and it was just a joy to watch him pitch.”
The Falcons backed Arnesen with a run in the second inning, three in the third, and one each in the sixth and seventh innings.
Freshman Jacob Sprengle led the offense, going 3-4 at the plate with two runs scored and an RBI. Senior Jordan Snader had two hits and drove in two runs, Hollenbach scored two runs, and sophomores Drew Frankenfield and Paul Mellinger each doubled and drove in a run.
“Sprengle had an outstanding game at the plate for us, and Mellinger missed the team's first home run by several inches,” DeRiggs said. “Overall, I was pleased with our offense.”
The Falcons are slated to play Albright (2-10, 0-2) again Monday, this one at Messiah's Starry Field, concluding the three-game conference series.
“We're going for the sweep on Monday,” DeRiggs said. “It's our first home game, weather permitting, and I am excited for that.”
Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m.
