IUP outfielder Blaise Zeiders says he was hoping the Crimson Hawks could finally win a ballgame by more than one run at the Division II College World Series…then they won by two, 10-8, over defending national champion Angelo State.
IUP will play Angelo State again today, with the winner having the chance to play the University of Tampa for the national title tomorrow.
Elijah Dunn got the IUP offense going with a two-run home run in the first inning and Zeiders homered in the fourth. Ricardo Aponte had three hits and Dunn had two, with four RBIs to lead a 10-hit IUP attack. On the mound, Mark Edeburn gave coach Steve Kline five gritty innings pitching on four days rest, giving up five earned runs. Holding an 8-5 lead in the 8th, IUP gave up two runs to make it 8-7, then after Aponte singled in a run and Harrison Pontoli scored on a safety squeeze by Zach Miller to make it 10-7, closer Bryce Devan got the first two outs in the 9th, but then walked the bases loaded and hit a batter to force in a run before Casen Sandri relieved him and got Ryder McDaniel to foul out to Miller at first base for the final out.
Coach Kline says IUP is always tough under pressure.
Kline appreciated the effort of Mark Edeburn against a potent Angelo State offense.
Even though Bryce Devan struggled with his control in the 9th inning, Kline says he will not hesitate to call on his young closer if needed today.
Kline shuffled his lineup yesterday, inserting Zeiders back into right field and moving designated hitter Dunn up in the order to bat third. He says he was just looking for more offense.
IUP will play the rematch with Angelo State today at 1:30. If the Crimson Hawks win, they will play undefeated Tampa tomorrow at 1:30, and if they win that game, they would play the Spartans again at 5 for the national championship.
Second-seeded Tampa has won eight national championships, the last one in 2019. They have sailed through the tournament, beating Indianapolis University, 9-3; Southern New Hampshire, 7-4; and Catawba, 7-2 yesterday
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