The Golden Rams are back! After a week of no matchups against East Stroudsburg University due to potential COVID-19 concerns, West Chester headed right into a doubleheader here at home against their most troublesome rivals, Millersville University. In the 2019 season, when they last squared off, the Golden Rams split the series, seeing a constant rivalry continue yet again as they came into these games this past weekend.
This past Friday, West Chester started out strong.
In the first game, pitcher Braeden Fausnaught had a great game, recording eight strikeouts to only two earned runs the entire game. Not only did Fausnaught have a great outing, but center-fielder Luke Cantwell shined once again, getting a run on the board for the Golden Rams. However, one key factor in the first game was third baseman Keith Flaherty and shortstop Nolan Bolton’s performances, with Bolton recording one run under two hits, while Flaherty recorded two runs under three hits.
This all led to a well-fought 6–2 win to start the day on Friday, as they then went into the second game of the first doubleheader. With momentum of the first game on their side, West Chester came out ready to go against a Millersville offensive bulwark that can certainly hit their stride if they catch fire.
Unfortunately, however, Millersville was rather quick to catch fire late that Friday afternoon, and scorched the day in game two, leaving West Chester 1–1 on the day in a 12–4 loss. The next day seemed brighter for the Golden Rams, having split the first doubleheader and having a great chance to take the series, and they were ready. Taking the road trip to Millersville, however, seemed to take an effect on the Golden Rams and the first game itself, as it seemed pitching was the real star of the day that afternoon.
In the first game alone, there were a total combined six runs. It was not the best game for West Chester, as they ended up falling in a 5–1 loss before heading into the final series-clinching game this past Saturday afternoon. Millersville came strong at West Chester right out of the gate, scoring three runs in the first inning as the Golden Rams were held run-less until the fifth inning.
The Golden Rams later attempted a rally in that fifth inning, with third baseman Kevin Flaherty hitting a moon-shot home run. In the sixth inning, center fielder Luke Cantwell hit one, sending in Nick D’Amore, as well as third baseman Kevin Flaherty hitting one and, in turn, sending our designated hitter Justin Horn home. The rally unfortunately ended there that day, as West Chester was sent home packing, losing 14–3 in a flattening loss.
We can all think many things, whether or not the week off effectively took the Golden Rams off their game, or maybe that they just weren’t there this past weekend. Nevertheless, they still continue to keep fighting and move forward onto the next series of conference play.
West Chester continues their season next weekend right here at campus against Kutztown University on April 23 in a doubleheader. Just a day later, they will take a short road trip to Kutztown to have a second doubleheader. With only three conference series left, this will be a true test to see whether or not the Golden Rams are ready for playoff play.
Jeff Babcock is a fourth-year student majoring in communications and minoring in journalism. JB884128@wcupa.edu