Doubleheader Sweep: Pitching, Small Ball Powers Pitt Past Canisius, 4-0

The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the Canisius Golden Griffins 4-0 in the nightcap of their Saturday doubleheader. After a rout by each team to begin the series, both starting pitchers had success, mowing down batters efficiently.

Panthers starter Logan Evans, making his first appearance for Pitt since transferring from Penn State, carried a no-hitter into the third inning working with catcher Johnny Long, a transfer from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Canisius pitcher Aaron Duffy dealt as well, one-hitting the Panthers through four innings before their patient at bats began to wear him out.

Evans allowed a leadoff single in the fifth inning, but veteran third baseman Sky Duff keyed a double play on the next pitch to stifle any chance at a rally.

Duff came up big again in the bottom of the inning. Sophomore right fielder C.J. Funk drew a leadoff walk, and junior shortstop Brock Franks hit a sacrifice bunt to move him to second base. Duff hit a single to drive in Funk and break the shutout. Kyle Hess followed that up with a full count home run to left center field to make it 3-0, ending Duffy’s day once he got out of the inning.

Evans retired the first two batters in the sixth with ease before Franks fumbled a routine grounder that allowed first baseman Vinny Chiarenza to reach. A hit by Mike DeStefano put runners on first and second, and Mike Bell called a quick conference with Evans. Franks redeemed himself on the next pitch, covering second on a fielder’s choice to end the inning.

Senior Brett Kochanski got the ball next and struck out two of three in a scoreless inning, giving Canisius a chance at a comeback.

Evans struck out the side to finish his start with 76 pitches, four strikeouts and three hits allowed.

Hayden Summers relieved him in the eighth and recorded four punchouts in two innings to secure the shutout. In the bottom of the frame, senior first basemen Bryce Hulett struck out swinging on a wild pitch, advancing to first on the play. Chiarenza made an error attempting to get Hulett out, and Ron Washington scored from second on the play.

The Panthers move to 2-1 on the season and will play to take the series on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 12pm, as transfer Ben Dragani makes his first start for Pitt.