Steve Kline jokes that he spends the critical moments hiding out in the bathroom during IUP’s run at the NCAA Division II World Series, but he saw it all yesterday during the Crimson Hawks’ incredible 1-0 win over Point Loma. That includes shutdown pitching by Jake Black and Bryce Devan, Elijah Dunn’s run-scoring single 1st inning, and spectacular glove work like Harrison Pontoli’s inning-ending diving catch of a line drive in the 8th.
IUP scored after Pontoli led off the first with a base hit and Ricardo Aponte worked a nine-pitch walk. With two outs, Dunn lined the ball into left field to score Pontoli.
Jake Black was outstanding, pitching to contact and not allowing a hit until the 5th. He threw 100 pitches over 8 innings, giving up two hits, striking out 4 and walking one. Fourteen of the 24 outs he got were on fly balls. His last pitch was the one that was lined toward right field for a hit but Pontoli speared it for the out. Devan took over in the 9th and allowed a hit, struck out one, and induced a game-ending fielder’s choice ground ball.
Coach Kline says it was another IUP team win.
Kline says Jake Black was outstanding, especially since he hasn’t pitched much lately.
The coach says Pontoli’s line drive catch is an example of how IUP wins games.
Jake Black says the key for him yesterday was getting the leadoff hitter out, which he did in all 8 innings, and IUP’s solid defense.
Elijah Dunn says IUP has gotten just enough hitting to win in North Carolina, but he believes they can do more at the plate.
Next up for IUP is a Final Four game against reigning national champion Angelo State, which came into the tournament as the number eight seed but has gone undefeated so far. IUP will need to beat them twice, today and tomorrow, in order to play for the national title on Saturday. Gametime today is 11 AM.
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