Anna 
After starting the season with 15 consecutive road games, the Gannon University baseball team is set to play its home opener on Friday, March 21. The Golden Knights will take on Clarion in a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m., marking the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West opener for both teams.
Gannon was projected to finish fifth in the PSAC West preseason poll, while Clarion was picked seventh.
Schedule Changes Due to Weather
Originally scheduled as a four-game series, weather conditions have already led to adjustments. The teams were set to play another doubleheader at Clarion on Saturday, but that matchup has been pushed to Sunday instead.
Gannon Snaps Losing Streak with Win at D’Youville
The Golden Knights broke a five-game losing streak on Tuesday with an 8-5 victory over D’Youville. Gannon jumped to an early 8-3 lead, powered by a four-run third inning, and held the Saints scoreless over the final five innings. Despite a 6-9 record, Gannon’s losses have often been close—five defeats have come by a single run, with opponents sealing victories in their final at-bat.
Clarion, led by first-year head coach Johnny Poss, enters the series with a 6-8 record. The Golden Eagles have been involved in several high-scoring games, including a wild 19-12 loss to Bloomsburg on Wednesday. Remarkably, at least one team has scored double-digit runs in eight of Clarion’s 14 games this season.
Revamped Roster Showing Promise
After an injury-plagued 2024 season in which Gannon won just 11 games, head coach DJ Cannon has restructured the lineup with a mix of transfers and freshmen.
Among the standout performers is Wes Parker (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), a transfer from Toledo. Despite missing the start of the season due to injury, Parker has quickly made an impact, hitting .366 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in just 41 at-bats.
Redshirt junior Ian Soto (Florida, Puerto Rico/Academia Cristiana de Manati) has transitioned from relief pitching to designated hitter, delivering a .345 average with two home runs and 14 RBIs. He added his second homer in Tuesday’s win.
Freshman shortstop Hunter Troiano (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seneca Valley) has impressed early, batting .302 with one home run and 13 RBIs, while sophomore catcher Drew Stangelo (Uniontown, Ohio/North Canton Hoover) is hitting .300.
Position changes have also played a role in the team’s adjustments. Last year’s starting shortstop, Alex Bemis (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe), moved to the outfield but started at third base on Thursday, collecting three hits to raise his average to .298. Bemis has also stolen six bases. Meanwhile, Rhode Island transfer Frank Kula (Uniontown, Pa./Laurel Highlands) leads the team with nine stolen bases.
Pitching Standouts
On the mound, redshirt sophomore Ryan Hood (Latrobe, Pa./Derry Area) has emerged as Gannon’s top starting pitcher. The right-hander boasts a 1.15 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 15.2 innings across three starts.
Sophomore Jake Boynar (North Ridgeville, Ohio/North Ridgeville), another right-hander, leads the team with 24 strikeouts in 16 innings. He holds a 1-2 record with a 6.44 ERA.
Next Up for the Golden Knights
Following the Clarion series, Gannon will play a non-conference game against Walsh on Tuesday, March 25. The single nine-inning contest is set to begin at 3:00 p.m.
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