MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Bridgewater College Eagles started their spring break trip at the beach on a winning note by holding on to defeat Penn State-Berks, 5-4, in a contest that started late Monday evening and lasted well past midnight.
With the victory, Bridgewater improves to 5-1 on the season.
The Eagles took an early lead with two runs in the third inning. Freshman infielder Austin Batten had the key hit with a run-scoring single.
The Lions scored two unearned runs in the top of the fourth, but the Eagles regained the lead with a run in the bottom half of the inning. Brendan Howell tripled and scored on a two-out hit by Darren Yoder to put the Eagles on top 3-2.
Bridgewater pushed the margin to 4-2 with a run in the sixth. The Eagles loaded the bases when Kenner Berry was hit by a pitch, Howell singled and Yoder walked. Berry scored on a single by Hunter Hensley, giving Bridgewater a two-run lead.
The Lions added a run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Nick Zipay to make it a one-run game, but the Eagles got the run back in the bottom of the eighth. With one out, Justin Petock walked and moved to third on a double by Yoder. Petock scored on a base hit by Hensley, giving the Eagles a 5-3 advantage.
Eagles freshman lefty Chad Lenz worked the ninth to pick up the save in his first collegiate appearance. Lenz gave up a leadoff double to Keeanu Erb and the Lions outfielder came around to score on a groundout by Troy Salerno to make it a one-run game, 5-4. Lenz retired the final batter on an infield grounder to close out the victory for the Eagles.
Brandon Poole worked the first four innings and allowed two unearned runs on three hits. Three freshman arms finished up for the Eagles. Kyle Jones pitched the next three innings and picked up the win. He allowed one run on one base hit. Jarrett Horton worked a scoreless eighth before turning it over to Lenz in the ninth.
The Eagles finished the contest with 10 base hits. Howell led the way with two singles and a triple. Yoder and Hensley added two hits each.