The Panthers capped their weekend series against Harvard on Sunday afternoon with a dominating 17-7 win. As they did on Saturday afternoon, the Panthers were hitting everything, recording 16 hits off Harvard’s pitching rotation. Designated hitter Jack Anderson led Pitt with four hits and a four-run homer. Catcher Jayden Melendez also had a solo shot and three RBIs.The Panthers score 44 runs, go 3-1 versus Harvard this weekend in Florida.
Harvard first baseman Logan Bravo got things started for the Crimson by hitting a single to center field to knock in a run. Bravo was then brought home after a double by Chris Snopek. And just like that, Harvard led 2-0. The Crimson extended their lead to 3-0 before Pitt pitcher Erubiel Candelario retired the side.
The Panthers answered in the bottom of the third with two runs to make it a one-run game at 3-2. First baseman Noah Martinez flied out to center field to bring CJ Duff home and Anderdson singled up the middle for the other run.
The Panthers’ bats were on fire in the bottom of the fourth as Duff doubled to left center to bring in two runs and Anderson hit a four-run homer to left center to give Pitt a 8-3 advantage. Pitt continued to pour it on in the bottom of the fifth, as Duff recorded his second RBI of the game with a double to right field to bring in a run. Martinez then singled to right field to bring Duff home and Nessler followed with a double to right center to add another two runs. The Panthers were not done yet as centerfielder Dom Popa singled up the middle to advance Nessler to home plate and Melendez doubled to center field to bring in two more runs and increase their lead to 15-2. In two innings, Pitt scored a whopping 13 runs.
Harvard battled back and scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Pitt righty Jonathan Bautista gave up a two-run shot and a solo homer. Matt Giberti singled to center field to conclude the Crimson’s scoring surge to cut Pitt’s lead to 15-7. Pitt put the finishing touches on Harvard in the bottom of the eighth with a home run by Melendez and a run via a fielding error.
The Panthers return to Pittsburgh for their home opener against Bucknell on Tuesday, Feb. 28. First pitch from Charles L. Cost Field is at 3 p.m.
