FINAL SCORE 
Pittsburgh 6 (4-0)
Monmouth 1 (2-3)

CARY, N.C. – The University of Pittsburgh scored four runs in the fourth inning to take the lead and claimed a 6-1 win over the Monmouth University baseball team at the USA Baseball National Training Complex on Friday. 
 
Kevin Opanel started for the Hawks and limited the Panthers to just two base runners through the first three innings.
 
Pittsburgh scored four in the fourth to take the lead. That inning was highlighted by a two-run single from Jake Kendro. 
 
Pittsburgh extended its lead to 5-0 on an RBI single from Jayden Melendez in the fifth.
 
The Hawks broke through in the seventh as Nick Lovarco led off with a single. He came around to score on Trey Porter's two-out single up the middle. 
 
The Panthers added a run in the bottom of the seventh, which made it a 6-1 game. 
 
Monmouth looked to have something going in the eighth as the first two batters reached but the Panthers were able to get out of trouble and claimed the 6-1 win.

NOTES
- Monmouth was facing Pittsburgh for the second time in the all-time series. It was the first meeting between the two since 1997. The Panthers have won both meetings.
- Kevin Opanel started the game and made his first appearance of the year for the Hawks.  
- Opanel has not allowed a run in his last seven innings, dating back to his final start in 2024. 
- The Monmouth pitching staff racked up six strikeouts in the game, one off their season-high. It was the fourth straight game that the Hawks have registered five or more strikeouts. 

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Harry Padden had a stolen base in the ninth inning. It was his first steal of the season and 30th of his career. Padden needs five more steals to move into the top 14 for career steals at Monmouth.
- Trey Porter and Padden each had a hit in the contest. The pair have hit in back-to-back games for the Hawks.
- Austin Beard has two strikeouts in each of his first two appearances for the Hawks.  
- Beard suffered the loss for the Hawks after giving up four runs in one inning of work. He moves to 1-1 on the year. Patrick Gardner earned the win for Pitt after going six innings and allowing one hit.
  
NEXT UP
Monmouth and Pitt resume their series on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. from the USA Baseball National Training Complex.