THE GAME FACTS
ERIE, PA - Early on in the season, the Golden Knights had struggled to win close games and came into Friday's road doubleheader seeking better late inning results. That ask was answered tenfold on Friday, as Gannon was impressive late in both games to sweep Cal (PA) in a road doubleheader, winning their third and fourth straight games.
The wins move the Golden Knights to 7-5 in conference play, level with the Vulcans in the PSAC West standings heading into Saturday's twinbill at McConnell Family Stadium.
Gannon has now scored six runs or more in three straight games and has won three in a row in conference play. The Golden Knights also won their first extra inning game of the season.
THE KNIGHTCAP - GAME 1
- Fifth-Inning Explosion: Gannon scored five runs in the fifth inning to take control of the game. Drew Stangelo (Uniontown, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) led off the frame with a solo home run, and later in the inning Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) delivered an RBI single to regain the lead. Wes Parker (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) followed with the biggest swing of the day, blasting a three-run home run to cap a five-run inning and give Gannon a 6-1 advantage.
- Soto Leads Offense: Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) finished with three hits and two RBIs.
- Stangelo Goes Deep: Drew Stangelo (Uniontown, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) added a solo home run to start the fifth-inning rally.
- Hood Earns the Win: Ryan Hood (Latrobe, Pa./Derry Area) (3-2) went 5.2 innings with four strikeouts to pick up the victory.
- Ayres Closes It Out: Logan Ayres (New Castle, Pa./Laurel) secured the final four outs to seal the win and pick up his fourth save of the season.
THE KNIGHTCAP - GAME 2
- Fast Start: Gannon scored six runs over the first three innings to build early control. The Golden Knights scored three runs in the first inning behind a two-run home run from Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) and an RBI double from Matt Smith (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area). GU added another run in the second before extending the lead in the third. Cainen Atherton (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union Area) delivered a two-RBI double down the left field line to push the advantage to 6-2.
- Soto Stays Hot: Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) recorded three hits, including a two-run home run and three RBIs.
- Atherton Delivers: Cainen Atherton (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union Area) drove in two runs with a key double in the third inning.
- Costello Comes Through Late: After California (Pa.) battled back to tie the game at 7-7 in the seventh inning, Gannon responded in the ninth. Dom Costello (North Olmsted, Ohio/North Olmsted) delivered the go-ahead two-RBI double in the ninth inning.
- Balanced Attack: Gannon totaled 14 hits with multiple players contributing offensively.
- Bioni Closes It Out: Ryan Bioni (Bridgeville, Pa./Chartiers Valley) tossed two scoreless innings to earn the win
Next Up
Gannon will return home to face Cal (PA) on Saturday, seeking a series sweep of the Vulcans. First pitch of the doubleheader games are set for 1:00 and 3:30 pm.
This story was written using the support of AI.
