Youngstown State Takes Pair From AU Baseball
April 16, 2005

By Paul Carmany, AU Sports Information

Complete Box Scores
Game 1         Game 2

Red was the dominant color of the afternoon at Ashland University’s Donges Field on Saturday (Apr. 16). Most spectators left with a decidedly red complexion after sitting in the sun for about six hours. When all was said and done, the team wearing red uniforms, the Youngstown State Penguins, emerged with a doubleheader sweep, 9-5 and 9-6.

The Penguins, who have now won 12 of their last 13 contests, improve to 18-13. Ashland, which has lost its last six encounters, falls to 21-13.

Youngstown State took control from the get-go in game one, batting around and plating five runs against Ashland starter Todd Wells. The Penguins would add one more tally in the top of the second inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead and knock Wells out of the box.

A two-run triple by shortstop Casey Jirsa started an AU comeback in the bottom of the second. Aided by some stellar middle relief work by freshman Thom Abbott, the Eagles were able to close the gap to 6-5 in the bottom of the fifth.

The Penguins bounced right back, however. Brian Boone’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the sixth reclaimed the momentum for YSU. The Penguins then tacked on an insurance run in the next frame while Kevin Libeg held AU at bay.

YSU’s Justin Thomas earned the win to improve to 5-3. Libeg notched his second save. Wells took the loss for the Eagles, falling to 3-3.

Ron Oneson was 4-for-4 with a pair of runs scored for AU. Ray Frisbee, Troy Reeder, Allen Ayers and Jirsa each went 2-for-4.

The nightcap began in a similar fashion to the first game. The Penguins sent eight men to the plate in the top of the first inning, scoring three runs against Eagle starter Jim Barry.

Also similar to the first game, Ashland was able to come back from the early deficit. A single by Josh Davidson in the bottom of the fourth scored Chase Beatty and tied the game at 5.

Youngstown State then put four runs on the board against Todd Martinelli in the top of the fifth to reclaim the lead. Again, Libeg came in at the end to shut the door, and the Penguins left Ashland with two wins.

Penguin starter Andy Svitak earned the victory and is now 3-0. Libeg picked up his third save and second of the day. Martinelli fell to 2-4 with the loss.

Offensively, David Waters was 2-for-3 with 3 RBI. Oneson continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored.

The same two teams will hook up for another doubleheader Sunday afternoon (Apr. 17). This twinbill will be contested at Eastwood Field in Niles, OH, beginning at 2 p.m.