COLUMBIA, Md. – The Lock Haven University baseball team (1-1) opened the 2019 season today (Friday, Feb. 22) with a split as the Bald Eagles took on Lake Erie College in a doubleheader at Blandair Regional Park in Columbia, Maryland.
 
Game 1: L, 2-1
 
Lake Erie would take the first game behind a strong pitching effort from Dave LeMaste, who recorded 14 strikeouts in six innings of work.
 
The Bald Eagles racked up seven hits, all of which came from seven different players including Dillon Good (Denver, Pa./Nyack College), who drove in The Haven's only run. Jimmy Webb (Williamsport, Pa./Loyalsock) had a double in game one.
 
Despite the loss, Jesse Slinger (Pittsburgh/Youngstown State) recorded six strikeouts as he and LeMaste were locked up a in a season-opening pitcher's battle. Slinger scattered four hits over six innings.
 
Game 2: W, 5-0
 
Game two was a different story for the Bald Eagles. LHU plated its five runs on seven hits including a pair from Reagan Lawlor (McMurray, Pa./Peters) who was 2 for 4 with two RBIs. John Banes (Springfield, Pa./Cumberland C.C.) also drove in a pair of runs.
 
Ace Scott Leitholf (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York), last year's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Freshman of the Year, picked up his first win of 2019 in dominating fashion. He struck out nine and walked just two while allowing only four hits over six innings.
 
LHU will play Clarion tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 23) at 10 a.m. in a doubleheader.