Game 1: Penn State Schuylkill 13, Minnesota North-Itasca 9

The Lions wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four first-inning runs, fueled by Owen Zimmerman's three-run home run to center field. Zimmerman wasn't done, crushing his second homer in as many at-bats in the second inning, a two-run shot that extended Schuylkill's lead to 6-1.

Minnesota North-Itasca kept battling, cutting the deficit to 7-6 by the fifth inning, but Penn State Schuylkill responded with a five-run outburst in the bottom half to take control.

Top Performers for Penn State Schuylkill:

• Owen Zimmerman: 3-for-4, 2 HR, 5 RBIs, 4 runs
• Roman Cieless: 3-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 1 SB
• Owen Shoop: 2-for-4, solo HR, 2 RBIs
• Kevin Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2 RBIs
• Brandon Pupek: 1-for-4, double, 2 runs
• Conner Licklider: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 runs

On the mound, Dylan Siwik (2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 4 BB) started the game before handing it off to Roman Cieless (2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 K), who earned the win in relief. Zimmerman (2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 K) closed the game, helping the Lions lock up their first win of the day.

Minnesota North-Itasca saw strong offensive performances from Jaxon Kenning (3-for-3, 2B, SB, 3 runs) and Thomas Vekich (3-for-5, 3 RBIs, 2B), but their pitching couldn't contain Schuylkill's relentless offense.

Game 2: Rochester CTC 5, Penn State Schuylkill 3

Game 2 was a much tighter contest, as Penn State Schuylkill out-hit Rochester CTC 11-6 but struggled to capitalize, leaving nine runners stranded and committing five costly errors.

The Lions struck first in the opening frame, with Owen Zimmerman (3-for-4, RBI) driving in Brandon Pupek (2-for-3, 2 R, BB) on a single to right. However, Rochester answered quickly, plating two in the bottom half to take a 2-1 lead, aided by an error.

Schuylkill fought back, tying the game in the fourth on a wild pitch that allowed Brenan Adams (1-for-3, R, BB) to score. But Rochester took control in the fifth, as Jesus Sosa (2-for-4, 2 RBIs) delivered a two-run single to give the Yellowjackets a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.

Top Performers for Penn State Schuylkill:

• Owen Zimmerman: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 HRs
• Roman Cieless: 3-for-4, RBI
• Brandon Pupek: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
• Kevin Rodriguez: 2-for-3

Pitching-wise, Michael Kohler (3.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K) took the loss despite battling through early trouble. Owen Shoop (2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER) kept Schuylkill within striking distance, but the Lions couldn't mount a late comeback.

Despite the loss, Penn State Schuylkill showcased strong offensive firepower and Zimmerman's breakout game, setting a positive tone heading into the rest of the season.

Up Next: The Lions return home looking to build on their explosive offense and tighten up their defense.