Beaver takes tough loss against Elgin C.C. in last day of spring training

By: Matylda Zamudio

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — During the team's last day of spring training, the Penn State Beaver men's baseball lost to Elgin Community College 10-0 on Friday morning.

The Lions looked like they were off to a good start in the top of the first inning, with junior Shelton Hilliard (Baden/Ambridge) reaching first on an error by Elgin C.C.'s shortstop and the advanced the second on a single by freshman Trey Luffy (Baldwin). But Beaver was unable to score a run before receiving a third out. Beaver then fell behind early, allowing Elgin C.C. to earn two runs in the bottom of the first (2-0) and then another run in the bottom of the second (3-0).

Both teams went scoreless in the third inning, but Beaver really ran into trouble in the bottom of the fourth inning, when Elgin C.C. earned five runs without an out and then the sixth one (2 out) before wrapping the fourth (9-0).

In the fifth inning, Beaver looked to land on the board after Luffy singled to left field and advanced freshman Christian James (Mechanicsburg/Cumberland Valley) to second. However, the Lions couldn't finish the potential run and also allowed Elgin C.C. to tack on one more in the bottom of the fifth. Beaver lost the game by a final score of 10-0. 

Two Beaver players contributed hits in the game, which included Luffy, who went 3 for 3 at-bats and freshman Kyle Redding (Gettysburg), who went 1 for 2 at-bats.

Junior Scott Hughes (Aliquippa/Central Valley) was on the mound for Beaver in 3.1 innings he pitched, giving up nine runs to the 24 batters he faced and took the loss. Hughes was relieved by freshman Jacob Beck (Beaver), who threw 1.1 innings and faced the final seven batters.

After today's loss against Elgin C.C., Beaver sits at a 2-5 record for the season.

Beaver will return to face the Community College of Allegheny County South on Tuesday, Mar. 12. The game is slated for 3 p.m.