Dan Zalewski

Sports Editor

Despite falling back down to be the third ranked team in division two collegiate baseball, the Millersville Marauders did not let that deter them when they travelled to Philadelphia University to face off against the Rams.

The slow start to the game gave the Marauders the first run in the third inning. Millersville then doubled its lead to two by the end of the sixth inning. The Marauders continued to dominate on both sides of the inning, entering the ninth and final inning with a three to one lead.

In the ninth inning, the Marauders blew the game wide open, extending their lead to ten by scoring eight runs.

Much of the Marauder’s success at the top of the innings has been due to the continued performance by catcher, Mitch Stoltzfus.

Stoltzfus completed the game with a .600 batting average. His three hits brought in two runs to go along with a run of his own. He also managed to steal a base during the first inning.

The outing helped Stoltzfus’ attempt at breaking the all-time PSAC record for longest hitting streak.

The game against Philadelphia University brought Stoltzfus’ 28 game streak to reality and placed him second on the all-time hitting record. The longest hitting streak was set by Slippery Rock’s Adam Urbania last season. At 34 games long, Stoltzfus still needs to garnish hits in the next six games in order to tie the record.

Fielding, the Marauders had much success. Infielders Dan Stoltzfus, Tyler Orris and Ted Williams and outfielder Chas McCormick all saw major success assisting and completing putouts.

The Marauders’ ninth inning success starting with the Marauders’ ability to steal bases. Shortstop Tyler Orris managed to steal his way from first to third and centerfielder Dan Neff followed him by stealing second. Stoltzfus earned his two RBIs here by hitting one into left center.

Another nine at bats later, and another six run brought in the Marauders topped off their lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Pitcher Mike Mock entered the game to clean it up for the Marauders. He closed the game with two strikeouts to give the Marauders the final nail in the coffin.

The Marauders will return before taking on PSAC East opponents, Lock Haven, in a doubleheader on Friday. They return home for another doubleheader against Lock Haven in Cooper Park on Saturday.

The Marauders recently broke the record for most consecutive games won in PSAC history by winning 22 games in a row. The team currently holds a .900 record of 27-3. After a brief slip up against fellow nationally ranked contender Slippery Rock, the team has gotten back on track as they hope to reachieve their top two national ranking.