(LA PLUME, Pa.) – Wilson's program-record 13-game win streak came to an end as it fell in both games of a doubleheader to Keystone on Saturday. The Phoenix and Giants entered the day tied at the top of the CSAC standings and have two three-game conference series remaining in the regular season.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 5, Keystone 7
Game 2 – Wilson 2, Keystone 6
Venue: Mathewson Field
Records: Wilson 24-7, 9-3 CSAC; Keystone 19-11, 11-1 CSAC
How It Happened (Game 1)
- Keystone initially got on the board with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the second. The Giants threatened to score more, but Wilson was able to get out of a jam with a pair of strikeouts to leave the bases full. The Giants were able to build upon their lead in the third as six hits led to five more runs.
- Wilson was able to answer in the top of the fourth. Dean Mercer (Sr., Dunedin, Fla. / Clearwater Catholic Central) and Michael Marrale (5th, Sykesville, Md. / Old Dominion) led off with a pair of base hits before Gerald Buchanan (Gr., Olney, Md. / Montgomery CC) hit a sac fly to left field to score Mercer. Alex Seidleck (So., Crownsville, Md. / Indian Creek) followed up and reached on a fielder's choice, eventually scoring on an error in the outfield.
- The Phoenix further cut the deficit in the fifth inning. Garrett Griebel (Fy., Kent Island, Md. / Kent Island) reached on a walk and worked his way to third before scoring on a wild pitch.
- Wilson made one last push to tie the game in the seventh. Doc Daniels (So., Deal Island, Md. / Crisfield) led off the frame with a base hit up the middle. After moving to third, a failed pickoff attempt by the Giants allowed him to score. Griebel, who reached on a walk and moved to third on the aforementioned error, later scored on a wild pitch. Wilson had the potential tying run at the plate, but a ground out ended the game.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- The nightcap saw the Giants take an early lead once again. The hosts played a pair of runs in the first on a base hit to right, but Wilson was able to get out of a bases-loaded jam with a pair of strikeouts. Keystone added another on a fielder's choice in the second.
- Wilson chipped away at the Giants' lead in the fifth and sixth. Griebel led off the fifth with a double to center and scored on an infield error as he was advancing to third. Buchanan led off the sixth with a base hit, moved to third on another base hit and a sacrifice bunt, and eventually scored on a fielder's choice by Brady Andre (Jr., Brookeville, Md. / Sherwood).
- Unfortunately for the Phoenix, the Giants added three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Inclement weather followed and ended the game before the seventh inning could be started.
Inside The Numbers
- Marrale, Buchanan and Seidleck all had multiple hit games for the Phoenix. Marrale was 2-for-3 in the opener while Buchanan and Seidleck were both 2-for-3 in Game 2.
- Daniels and Andre both had multiple-hit days with a hit in each game. Daniels went a combined 2-for-5 with a run scored. Andre was 2-for-6 with an RBI.
- Wilson outhit the Giants in Game 2 8-5. Keystone held the hits advantage in the opener by an 11-6 count.
Up Next
A non-conference showdown with in-state rival Messiah awaits the Phoenix on Tuesday. First pitch with the Falcons is set for 3:30 p.m.
