Aquadro's Gem Leads Penguins to 8-1 Win Over Valpo in Finale

Niles, Ohio – Youngstown State freshman Blake Aquadro allowed one run in eight innings, and the Penguins finally got to Valparaiso's starting pitching in an 8-1 victory over the Crusaders on Sunday at Eastwood Field.

YSU, which was held to four runs combined in Saturday's doubleheader, matched that with four runs in the fourth inning off starter Tyler Deetjen. That was all the support Aquadro needed as he earned his first collegiate win. The left-hander allowed four hits, worked around six walks and struck out five, keeping the Crusaders off balance all afternoon.

Armani Johnson went 2-for-4, scored twice and had two RBIs to lead the Penguins offensively.

"This was a must-win game for us, and Blake stepped up and delivered for us," YSU head coach Rich Pasquale said. "We're proud of the way he performed for us to keep us above .500 in the Horizon League."

The Penguins improved to 5-4 in league play and 14-14 overall. Valparaiso, ending its first conference series of the season, dropped to 11-18 and 2-1.

Both starters allowed only one hit through the first three innings, but the Penguins broke through for four runs on four hits in the fourth. Tom Clayton hit a one-out single up the middle, and he advanced to second when Damon McCormick threw wildly on Anthony Porter's fielder's choice. Zac McFarland's infield single loaded the bases, and Johnson hit a two-run double to left to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead. Derek Carr followed with an RBI single, and Johnson scored on Neil Schroth's ground out to shortstop.

YSU then blew the game open in the sixth when nine Penguins went the plate to score three two-out runs. Johnson led off with a single, but Steve Godawa retired Carr and Schroth on a fly out and ground out. Jacke Healey drew a full-count walk to force Godawa's exit, and Matt Stucky lasted only five pitches before leaving. He walked Jeremy Banks on four straight balls, and Johnson and Healey both scored on wild pitches. Joe Iacobucci drew the third straight walk off Austen Siwiec, and Clayton followed with an RBI single to score Banks.

Aquadro induced his second double play to end the eighth, and reliever Trent Wood gave up two soft singles to right in the ninth.

YSU's final run came in the eighth when Casey Holland singled in Banks.

The Penguins will play at Niagara on Tuesday at 3 p.m.