Caruso, Lopatka lead YSU baseball to win

NASHVILLE

The Youngstown State baseball team won 8-4 over Belmont on opening day thanks to some two-out hitting in the fourth.

With the game tied at 1, YSU took a 2-1 lead on a on a bases-loaded walk by Freshman Jeff Wehler. Catcher Nick Caruso scored the go-ahead run.

YSU’s Zach Lopatka extended the lead to 4-1 later in the fourth after a two-run single to left field to drive in Web Charles and Wehler. It was Lopatka’s only hit.

The Penguins (1-0) scored two more in the top of the fifth. Caruso doubled down the right field line to drive in Dickerson and first baseman Andrew Kendrick.

Belmont (0-1) attempted a late comeback but it was too late.

South Range graduate Greg Dunham picked up his first win as a Penguin. Dunham pitched six innings for YSU, allowing one run on four hits.