Box Score The Wolf Pack battled back late in Saturday's series finale against the Knights, but ultimately fell in the late innings
WESTWEGO – The Loyola Wolf Pack and Middle Georgia State battled in a rubber match Saturday at Segnette Field, with the Knights claiming the series with a 7-3 win over the Wolf Pack. Loyola's record moves to 16-6 overall and 1-2 in Southern States Athletic Conference play, and it'll host NCAA Division II Spring Hill Tuesday at home.
Middle Georgia State got on the board first in the third inning, after Loyola starter Brenden Taravella started the game with two scoreless frames. Taravella gave up two hits in the first inning but pitched a 1-2-3 second before allowing the two runs in the third. The Knights got the leadoff man on board before a single with one out put two on base. With two outs, MGA used another hit and an infield error to plate the two runs.
Taravella bounced back in the fourth with a nice inning, then Gary Cavallo Jr. relieved Taravella in the fifth and escaped the jam with two runners in scoring position. MGA scratched another run across in the sixth, though, as a hit batter came around to score to put the Knights up 3-0.
The Wolf Pack finally got on the board in the bottom half of the inning, as Patrick Crifasi and Gabriel Trastoy strung together hits. Crifasi scored the run when the MGA catcher threw the ball in the outfield on a steal attempt by Crifasi.
Trailing 3-1 in the seventh, Loyola used three hits to plate two runs and tie the game 3-3. Jase Biehl led off with a single, then Zach Cook doubled to put two on with one out. A liner back to the pitcher's mound off the bat of Allen Dennis allowed Biehl to score, and a perfectly placed bunt by Payton Alexander scored the tying run.
However, Middle Georgia State scored four runs in the eighth to regain the lead for good.
Pack Facts
Allen Dennis continued his on-base streak with a walk early in the game Sunday. He's now reached base in all 22 games this season, but his streak is 24 games dating back to last season. He also leads the team with 24 walks.
Payton Alexander didn't record a hit but he was hit by a pitch to make it 22 straight games on base.
Patrick Crifasi notched a hit Sunday, moving his hitting streak to six games. He's also reached back in 12 straight games.
