Box Score

ANNVILLE, Pa. – Sophomore Ryan Dalton (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) tossed a four-hit, five-inning shutout, leading Lebanon Valley to an 8-0 win over Susquehanna University Thursday afternoon in Commonwealth Conference baseball action at McGill Park.

The game was called after the top of the fifth inning due to a steady rain that was falling on and off throughout the afternoon.

The shutout was Lebanon Valley's first of the year and the team's first since blanking Susquehanna 9-0 on March 23 of last season.

The Flying Dutchmen (6-12, 3-5 CC), who won their third straight Commonwealth game after losing their first five, scored all eight of their runs over the first two innings to give Dalton (2-2) more than enough run support. He walked three and struck out three en route to his first collegiate shutout.

Crusader starter Eric Musser (Sunbury, Pa./Shikellamy) started and suffered the loss for Susquehanna (6-14, 2-8 CC). Musser (1-2) lasted just 1 1/3 innings and was roughed up for eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits.

Junior Scott Montgomery (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Township) had a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate to lead a 10-hit attack for the Dutchmen. Montgomery also doubled twice and scored twice while posting his team-leading ninth multiple-hit game of the season.

Sophomore Jon Kelly (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) and junior Craig Denlinger (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield) also had big games for LVC. Kelly was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs while Denlinger went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs for his third straight multi-hit game. Senior Casey Long (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) added a two-run double for the Dutchmen.

Senior Jeff Grieger (Rieglesville, Pa./Wilson) singled to extend his hitting streak to eight.

Lebanon Valley returns to the diamond on Monday when it visits Susquehanna for a Commonwealth Conference doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

[Photo - Sophomore Ryan Dalton, who threw a five-inning shutout against Susquehanna on Thursday]

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