PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Penn State Altoona baseball team claimed victories in both of its double-header games against Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference foe La Roche on Thursday afternoon.  The Lions won game one 2-1 before taking the nightcap 7-1.

In game one, Altoona started the scoring in the second inning when Jim Byers (Chambersburg, PA/Chambersburg) sailed a single shot over the left field wall.  Both the Lions and Redhawks would put up one run a piece in the sixth, but Altoona was able to hold on for the victory.

Byers went 1 for 3 on the day including the home run, while teammates Ryan Pollicino (Mount Union, PA/Mount Union), Jim Bennett (Linden, PA/Williamsport), and Robert Reece (Levittown, PA/Neshaminy) also contributed hits. 

Tom Rafetto (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) pitched a complete game for the Lions, giving up just four runs and striking out four.  Rafetto also walked three batters.

In game two, Altoona found hot bats, putting up 15 hits throughout the contest.  The Lions held a 5-1 lead heading into the fourth inning, and added one run each in the fifth and sixth.

Cord Heine (Malvern, PA/Mercersburg) continued his record-setting freshman campaign by blasting a two-run shot to right center in the first, while Grady Luzier (Forest, PA/West Branch) helped out going 3 for 4 with two runs scored. 

Reece connected on all three of his at-bats in game two, while Jimmy Baum (Shermansdale, PA/West Perry) and Jacob Settle (Altoona, PA/Altoona) went 2 for 4 and 2 for 3, respectively.

Lion starter Paul Keith (Smithmill, PA/Moshannon Valley) pitched all seven innings, giving up seven hits and no walks.  He also strike out five Redhawk batters during his time on the mound. 

The Lions are now 18-12 overall, 9-5 AMCC, and are back in action this Saturday, April 18, for a conference contest with Franciscan.  Game time is set for 1:00 PM.