Monday, June 3, 2024 | Bellefonte, PA - It was a beautiful day on Monday for a baseball game, and goodness did we have one. Not only was it a complete game by both teams (0 errors) there was a lot of star-studded talent on the Governor's Park newly placed turf. Ben Ryan led the way for Indiana on the mound scattering two hits through 5 1/3 innings while striking out six and only allowing one walk. Ryan was able to work out of a jam in the first inning when Bellefonte's leadoff hitter and Duke commit Trevor Johnson drove a double in the left center gap for a leadoff hit. Bellefonte was unable to come away with any runs in the inning thanks to great defense behind the arm of Ryan. In the top of the second, following a fielders choice and a stolen base from shortstop Andrew McGee, sophomore Charlie Manzi cranked a two-run home run over the fence in right center putting Indiana ahead. Indiana would not look back from there, as great defense, highlighted by diving stops, charging plays and strong throws from McGee at shortstop, would be enough for Indiana to keep Bellefonte at bay. In the top of the fourth, McGee would once again single to get on the basepaths and find himself on third base when sophomore Ethan Shank stepped up to the dish and drove the ball to the outfield for a sacrifice fly bringing in McGee for Indiana's third and final run of the contest. In the bottom of the sixth things got a little murky for Indiana, with Red Raider runners on first and second and only one out, Head Coach Dan Petroff turned to trusty starter turned reliever Monday Ryan Okopal to get them out of the jam. Okopal did just that, getting the first batter he faced to pop up and the second to ground out. In the bottom of the seventh, Okopal trotted back out to the mound and put trust in his defense and his arsenal, striking out two before allowing a hit. Faced with two outs and Bellefonte's dangerous hitter in Johnson in the on-deck circle, Okopal was able to get the batter to ground a ball up the middle where McGee made a sliding save and flipped the ball onto second baseman Trevor Smith for the final out. Notable offensive contributions for Indiana were; Hunter Martin with a hit, Andrew McGee with a hit and two runs scored, Charlie Manzi with two hits, a run scored and two RBIs, Kadin Homer with two hits, Ethan Shank with a hit and an RBI and Tim Birch with a hit. 

The loss marked Bellefonte's first loss on their home field all season. 

Up Next
Indiana advances to the PIAA 4A Quarterfinals for the second year in a row. Indiana will face off against District 3 Champions East Pennsboro in a neutral site game located at Mount Aloysius College on Thursday, June 6th at 2:00 PM. Ticket and other information to be provided tomorrow (6/5). 

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