University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Air Force
Panthers Split on Final Day at Service Academies Spring Classic
2/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 22, 2009
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - After being rained out on the second day of the Service Academies Spring Classic, the University of Pittsburgh baseball team returned to action today, splitting a doubleheader, defeating Air Force 10-9, while falling to Navy 3-1.
Against Air Force, the Panthers (1-2) used an explosive four-run first inning to take the lead and added three more in the bottom half of the third, remaining in control for their first win of the season.
Corey Baker got the start on the mound, pitching three innings, giving up four hits and three runs, two earned, while striking out three in the no decision. Matt Iannazzo picked up the win, throwing five innings, yielding five runs on five hits while striking out six.
At the plate, four Panthers enjoyed multi-hit performances, led by Joe Leonard, who went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Cory Brownsten drove in three RBI while Chris Sedon, Nathan Hood and John Schultz each collected two hits.
In the afternoon matinee, Pitt took a 1-0 lead in the top half of the second when Frank Mercurio singled to right field, driving in Sedon who had singled to lead off the inning.
Despite leaving 10 runners stranded on base, Navy put up three runs in the bottom half of the third on three hits to take the 3-1 lead. Neither team would manage to score again however, with the Midshipmen picking up the 3-1 victory.
David Kaye went three innings, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out six in the loss for Pitt.
Up next for the Panthers is a three-game series against New Jersey Tech in Gastonia, N.C, Feb. 28-March 1. The Panthers and Highlanders will play a doubleheader on the 28th and follow it with a single game on March 1st. First pitch on Feb. 28 is scheduled for Noon ET.
