“Strike Out Cancer” Games Decided by Homeruns

Wheeling, WV, Apr. 17, 2010---Wheeling Jesuit University Transportation Director Denny Grimm, a cancer survivor, kicked off today’s doubleheader against West Virginia State University by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. It was all part of the “Strike Out Cancer” event where both teams wore alternate jerseys for the cause.  The event raised in excess of $2,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Each game featured strong pitching and crucial homeruns as the teams split 3-2 decisions, with West Virginia State (pink) capturing the first game and Wheeling Jesuit (black) taking game two.

The Yellow Jackets, Kelsey Lorraine, pitched a complete game victory and hit the game deciding homerun in the seventh inning. WVSU took a two-run lead in the fourth inning when Kayla Sturms tripled home Brittany Hyatt and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Margaret Osborne.

The Lady Cardinals knotted the score in the sixth when Shaynna Johnson doubled home Gina Hicks and Ashley McSweeney, who had each singled. Lorraine retired the next two Cardinal hitters on fly balls to strand Johnson and ended the scoring threat.

Lorraine carried the momentum into the seventh inning as she led off the frame with a homerun to give the Yellow Jackets what proved to be the game winning run.

Olivia Wamsley pitched well in the losing effort, allowing eight hits, while striking out two without issuing a walk.

In the nightcap, Johnson blasted a three-run homer over the left-center field fence to account for all the offense the Cardinals needed against local standout pitcher Sara Pelegreen.

Ashley Nichols allowed only two runs – one on a homerun by Hyatt and another when Sturms doubled home Hyatt two innings earlier. Nichols held the Jackets to six hits, striking out four and walking one.

Pelegreen allowed four hits: singles to Courtney Kurowski, Angela Petros, and Aleecia Sunagel, in addition to the Johnson homerun. Pelegreen surrendered three walks and struck out one in the complete game loss.

The Lady Cardinals will play host to West Virginia Wesleyan College Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.