Shepherd College Athletics

Steve Kozak upped his record to 3-2 with an impressive pitching performance against conference power West Virginia State.

SHEPHERD BLANKS STATE IN FIRST DAY ACTION

PRINCETON, WV -- Steve Kozak (Harpers Ferry, WV/Jefferson HS) and Tony Magnanelli (Frederick, MD/Frederick HS) combined on a five-hitter to lead Shepherd University to a 10-0 win over West Virginia State in first day action of the WVIAC Baseball Tournament at Hunnicutt Field in Princeton.

Kozak baffled the Yellow Jackets for seven innings -- recording two strikeouts and walking a pair, while only yielding four hits. Magnanelli fanned three, walked one, and only gave up a hit over the final two innings.

Joe Cook (Leesburg, VA/Loudoun County HS) led the Rams with a 3-for-5 outing, including a three-run homer to right field in the sixth inning that broke a scoreless tie. A trio of seniors also made major contributions. Jason Walck (Waynesboro, PA/Waynesboro HS) added a 3-for-4 effort with three runs scored, while Josh Delawder (Paw Paw, WV/Paw Paw HS/Potomac State) was 2-for-4 with a run batted in. Shane Wines (Front Royal, VA/Warren County HS) was 1-for-3 and scored a pair of runs.

Andy Maught and Justin Gray each had a pair of hits for the Yellow Jackets.

State starter Justin Clyde fanned four in a losing effort.

Shepherd improves to 22-17 on the season, while West Virginia State falls to 37-13. The Rams will face Concord on Saturday in winner's bracket action.

Shepherd 000 003 115 10 12 0

WV State 000 000 000 0 5 2

Clyde, Kelly (8), Birkelund (9) and Adkins; Kozak, Magnanelli (8), and Drummond.

HR: SU - Cook (4th two on).

WP: Kozak (3-2)

LP: Clyde (5-3)

Steve Kozak in action.

Charlie Drummond at bat against the Yellow Jackets.