(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)

The Blue and Gold return to action tomorrow when they head to Due West, South Carolina to close the series with Erskine.

The Fighting Fleet took game one on the backs of a big first inning, scoring 6 runs to open up a gap over the Golden Eagles.

Clarion struck in the top of the second courtesy of a single from sophomore first-baseman Dan Fox that scored Thomas Lavin who walked to lead off the inning cutting the lead to 6-1. However, the Erskine bats would continue to cause trouble all game long for the Golden Eagles. They would add four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning putting them in a commanding lead before closing out the 11-8 win.

Clarion battled in the late innings, scoring seven runs in the top of the fifth inning thanks to doubles from Alex Ficorilli, Nick Fugh and Chandler Palyas. Lavin ended the game with two singles in game one, while Ficorilli, Palyas and Fugh all roped a double. Kyle Thompson got the no on the hill for Clarion going three innings and striking out two.

Game two featured a change in pace from the high-scoring affairs of game one, with both teams locked in a good, old-fashioned pitcher’s duel to start the game.

Starter Bryce Grenet was proficient, going 5.0 innings with four strikeouts, giving up just two walks and six hits in the nightcap. Clarion struck first in the top of the first inning when Ficorilli grounded into a double play but was able to score Ben Barth who singled to left field to start the inning.

Erskine starter C. Harri tossed a gem, going a complete seven innings with three K’s and seven hits on the night.

Erskine scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning to regain the lead and never looked back from that point on. They tacked on two more insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to seal the victory.

The Golden Eagles will conclude their weekend road-trip tomorrow, February 15, when they take on the Fighting Fleet in games three and four of the series. First pitch is slated for noon.