Erie, PA – The Penn State Behrend Lions scored 22 runs in 14 hits against Alfred during their home opener on Tuesday, April 9, at the Penn State Behrend Baseball Field. Behrend defeated Alfred by 20 points, resulting in the game being finished at the conclusion of the top of the seventh inning.hlj

The Lions craft and excellent performance were evident from the start of the game, as points quickly appeared on the board. Behrend plated a run in every inning of the game, which resulted in the 10-run rule being implemented. Behrend quickly accomplished a 5-0 lead during the first inning due to an RBi triple from Silvio Ionadi, of Plum High School, and an RBI single off the bat from Anthony Slate, of Hopewell High School.

During the bottom of the second inning, A. Slate tallied another RBI single. Alfred was also to make two runs in the top of the third inning due to a mistake by Behrend. However, Behrend was quickly able to come back with six runs in the third inning, and six runs in the fourth inning, Ionadi also shined at the bottom of the third inning, as he cleared the bases with a three-run triple to right center.

Behrend added three additional runs during the bottom of the third inning to advance the score to 12-2. During the fourth inning, freshman Jake Awenowicz, of Norwin High School, and Tyler Banks, of General McLane High School, were able to get their foot in the game with an RBI single, and a two-run double.

Furthermore, Behrend closed out their victory on Tuesday with a two-run triple, and an RBI double by David Gibson, of North East High School, and Adam Cooper, of State College High School. 

During the game, Ionadi, A. Slate, Cooper, and Stephen Slate, of Hopewell High School, each logged two hits, while Ionadi and Gibson were able to accomplish a game record of four runs. Alec Greenblatt, of Punxsutawney High School, Swyer Prince, of Port Allegany High School, Devin Hicks, of Midlakes High School, and Nathan Campbell, of North Allegheny High School, were able to work together to only surrender one earned run on two separate hits, with nine strikeouts during the seven inning game.

Greenblatt got his second win of the 2024 season in three innings that he pitched for as the starting pitcher, and Hicks was able to strike out three batters in the one inning he provided relief during the contest. 

*Information, photography, and graphics for this article were provided courtesy of Penn State Behrend Athletics.*