GREENSBURG, PA – Seton Hill University christened their 2004 ballpark in Rostraver, PA with a doubleheader sweep of Bethany College on Saturday.

The DiVirgilio Sports Complex near Cedar Creek Park welcomed close to two hundred fans for the Griffins home opener, which began with a pitching duel in game one. SHU starter Jim Bradley (Adamsburg, PA/Hempfield HS) tossed seven shutout innings, walking none and striking out six to gain his second shutout win and third overall for the year. The 0-0 tie was broken in the bottom of the seventh when freshman Josh Pratt (Grove City, PA/Grove City HS) singled to right field to score Steve Long (Pittsburgh, PA/North Hills HS), who led off the inning with a pinch-hit double.

The nightcap saw Bethany jump out to a 5-0 lead before Seton Hill erupted for six runs in the third inning, fueled by singles from Steve Gumpf (Pittsburgh, PA/North Hills HS) and Rick Smykla (Pittsburgh, PA/Baldwin HS), which both plated two runs. The Griffins then tacked on six more runs in the 6th inning led by Matt Ankeny’s (Latrobe, PA/Derry HS) 2-RBI single.

The 12-5 victory was highlighted by Seton Hill’s first-ever triple play in the fifth inning. With Bethany runners on first and third, Seton Hill centerfielder Brandon Flythe (Richmond Heights, OH/Richmond Hts. HS) snagged a line drive in the left-center gap. His throw to shortstop Jerry Harness (Pittsburgh, PA/Chartiers Valley HS) tagged out a stealing Bethany runner from first base, and Harness’s throw to catcher Cory Weibel (Freeport, PA/Freeport HS) nailed another tagging Bison runner from third base for the third out.

The inaugural home games for Seton Hill baseball were kicked-off with a ceremonial first-pitch from athletic director John Fogle, who has coached at the University for thirty-three years.

Seton Hill improved their record to 9-14 on the season as they head into conference play this weekend with a four-game series against Malone College.

For additional information regarding Seton Hill University Baseball or Sports Information, please contact Marc Marizzaldi at (724)830-1169.