YORK, Pa. --- Wheaton (Mass.) claimed the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Monday with a 1-0 victory over Shenandoah University.
The Lyons (27-15) scored an unearned run in the second and got a six-hit shutout from pitcher Mike Bruemmel to claim the title.
Wheaton scored the game's lone run in the second thanks to two singles and a throwing error on an attempted sacrifice. Starting pitcher Colin Morse' throw over to third baseman Donnie Forgacs glanced off Forgacs' glove, allowing Nick Raposo to scamper home with what proved to be the game's only run.
Shenandoah (41-10) was seeking its third appearance in Appleton; the 41 wins sets a new program record for wins in a season.
Bruemmel (5-2 and the tournament's Most Outstanding Player) struck out five, walked four and was helped out by a defense that made every play it needed to.
In the ninth, SU got consecutive singles from Neil Dutton and Donnie Forgacs to put the tying run 90 feet from home plate.
Unfortunately for the Hornet faithful, Bruemmel struck out pinch hitter Nate Loman with a low breaking ball to clinch the win.
The two men left on were two of nine Shenandoah left on base Monday. SU had runners in scoring position in the second, third, fifth, sixth and ninth innings but was unable to get the equalizer.
Dan Cameron had two of the Hornets six hits, including a double in the second.
Morse (9-1) pitched eight innings and allowed the one unearned run on five hits and four walks. He struck out eight.
Following the game, Dutton, Abel Arocho, Gerard DePhillips and Tyler Hott were selected to the All-Tournament team.
--- This release is courtesy of the Shenandoah University department of athletic communications. ---
www.suhornets.com