BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – The Geneva baseball team secured its first sweep of the conference season on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) opponent Franciscan University 14-1 in game one and then 8-3 in game two. Things went well on both sides for the Golden Tornadoes, with both their batters and their pitchers putting everything together for a well-rounded performance. Geneva's record improves to 12-10 overall, 4-6 in PAC play, while the Barons drop to 4-14, 2-8 in the PAC.

Senior Eric Keaton was named the game one starter for Geneva and he was lights out to start the contest, giving up just two hits through the first four innings. It took the GTs' bats a couple of innings to warm up, but they eventually got going in the bottom of the third.

The Golden Tornadoes walked back-to-back times to start the frame, and then both runners came in to score on consecutive RBI-singles by junior Jason Triscila and freshman Logan Middendorf. A bases-loaded single from sophomore Marco Chenet later in the inning plated two more, and then Geneva scored four runs thanks to three straight doubles by freshman Luke Troxell, junior Hank Fedullo, and sophomore Colin McCrone. McCrone scored a few moments later on a wild pitch, capping off a nine-run inning for the men.

The party continued for Geneva in the next inning, starting when senior Kirk Bearjar scored on a Franciscan error after reaching on a leadoff single. The Barons pitchers struggled with walks, loading up the bases with two outs in the inning, and the GTs made them pay with three straight base hits by junior Michael Twigg, Triscila, and Middendorf.

Up 14-0, the Golden Tornadoes did not struggle much the rest of the way. Franciscan got one run back in the top of the fifth, but never threatened the rest of the way as the game was called due to run rule in the seventh inning, with Geneva winning 14-1.

Keaton allowed just the one run through 6.0 innings, striking out three batters and earning his second win of the year. Junior Tyler Lemansky also pitched well in his one inning of relief, striking out two. Triscila and Middendorf each notched two hits and two RBIs, while Twigg, Chenet, and Fedullo all recorded two RBIs as well. McCrone was 1-for-2 with a double, two walks, and three runs.

Franciscan scored first in game two, tallying one run in the top of the first, but Geneva quickly evened things up in the bottom of the inning via an RBI-single from Chenet that scored Middendorf from second base. The score remained 1-1 until Geneva struck again, once again putting together a big third inning.

With one out in the third, Bearjar, Chenet, Troxell, and sophomore James Zugai hit four singles in a row to plate five runs for the Golden Tornadoes. A Baron error a few minutes later allowed Troxell to score from second base, and then Zugai walked across home plate after a balk by the visiting pitcher. That gave Geneva an 8-1 lead after three innings.

It was freshman Dakota Dick who took the mound for the men in game two, and after allowing the one run in the opening inning he shut the Baron bats down, working well with the lead the batters had given him. He pitched six solid innings, and Geneva's bullpen saw out the win after that, with seniors Ethan Blair and Jake McFarland and junior Kaden Peeples all contributing.

Dick secured his first collegiate win, moving to 1-0 on the year after 6.0 innings of two-run baseball. McFarland and Peeples each threw a scoreless inning as well. Chenet and Troxell each went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run, and Twigg also registered multiple hits to go with a stolen base.

The GTs will look to ride the momentum into the weekend, facing off with Bethany College in a road doubleheader this Saturday, April 11. First pitch of game one is currently set for 1:00 p.m.

Through purposeful learning in a community reflecting the full spectrum of God's kingdom, a Geneva College experience inspires students to discover a faith-life calling in service to God and neighbor. Offering 195+ traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality and affordability. Geneva was founded and is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) and is a founding member of both the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the International Association for Christian Education (IACE).