Sacred Heart lost to Canisius on May 9 after a walk-off home run in the ninth inning secured a series win for the Golden Griffins.
The game was close throughout, with Sacred Heart coming back from an early deficit. The Pioneers now hold a record of 15-30 overall and 11-14 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, while Canisius stands at 18-24 overall and 14-12 in conference play.
Canisius scored three runs in the first inning, but Sacred Heart responded in the second when Ronan Donohue singled, Will Rudolph reached on a fielder’s choice, and Nathan Bowes hit an RBI double. In the fourth inning, Rudolph hit a solo home run to bring Sacred Heart within one run. Pitcher Ryan Parker helped keep his team close by pitching seven innings with six strikeouts and no walks.
Sacred Heart tied the game at three runs each in the sixth after Donohue singled again, Rudolph followed with another base hit, and Jacob Schmutz delivered a sacrifice fly. Despite Parker’s efforts on the mound—including another strikeout in the seventh—Canisius ultimately won with a walk-off homer.
The Pioneers will return to Demske Sports Complex for game three against Canisius at noon tomorrow.
