LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The Lock Haven baseball team fell 9-8 to Penn State Berks in a back-and-forth nine-inning contest at Watkins Field on Tuesday afternoon in the Bald Eagles' 2026 home opener.
 
The Bald Eagles move to 2-10 on the season despite a late-game rally that nearly produced a comeback victory.
 
Zachary McEllroy was the offensive catalyst all afternoon, finishing 3-for-5 with four RBIs. The junior left fielder delivered when it mattered most, picking up multiple hits with runners in scoring position throughout the contest.
 
Cayde McCloskey also had a standout day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI to provide consistent production from the seven-hole. Catcher Tom Rohan contributed a triple and an RBI, while Gardner Fravel reached base multiple times, scored twice and added a pair of hits.
 
Lock Haven's most electric stretch came in the eighth inning, when the Bald Eagles plated three runs to take a 7-6 lead heading into the final inning.
 
However, PSU Berks answered with three runs in the ninth inning to seal the result.
 
Pinch hitter Jaxson Pupo delivered a clutch RBI single to center field in the bottom of the ninth, but the Nittany Lions retired two consecutive hitters to seal the victory.
 
Lock Haven's pitching staff worked through a full nine innings, sending nine pitchers to the mound throughout the contest.
 
On the basepaths, the Bald Eagles stole a game-high six bags, highlighted by Braden Cummings' two steals and a pair from Tom Rohan.
 
Next up for The Haven:
The Bald Eagles hit the road for a non-conference doubleheader at Shippensburg, with first pitch set for 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 14.