After a dominant showing in Game 1, Centenary University baseball found themselves on the other side of a tight contest Sunday afternoon, falling 5-4 to Gwynedd Mercy University in Game 2 of the three-game conference series. With the loss, the series now sits tied at one game apiece, setting up a decisive rubber match on Monday.
The Cyclones struggled to find the offensive rhythm that powered their 21-run explosion in the opener, managing just five hits in Game 2. Still, they fought to the final out, pushing across four runs in a gritty effort that came up just short.
Anthony DiGrande and Simeon Reed led the way at the plate with two hits each, while Nick Payne added the only other hit for Centenary. RBIs came from a balanced group, as Reed, Derek DePace, Greg Carrillo, and Andrew Briggs each drove in a run to keep the Cyclones within striking distance throughout the game.
On the mound, it was bullpen standout Zach Gehman who kept Centenary in the game with an impressive relief outing. Gehman tossed five strong innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out one. His effort gave the Cyclones a chance late, but a few missed opportunities at the plate proved costly.
With the series now even, all eyes turn to Game 3 on Monday at Gwynedd Mercy. Both teams will be looking to close out the weekend on a high note and gain valuable ground in the conference standings.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m. as the Cyclones aim to bounce back and take the series on the road.
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