Dayton, TN – It was only the first day of the college baseball season for Geneva College, but the Golden Tornadoes came out swinging for the fences in a pair of victories to open the campaign. Competing in the Bryan College, TN tournament, the Golden Tornadoes defeated Indiana Wesleyan 9-8 in the season opener and then won the night cap 6-0 over Atlanta Christian.
In game one, Matt Colella pitched five innings to get the victory and also provided the big hit on offense in the first inning. In his first at bat of the season, Colella drove a grand slam over the fence as part of Geneva′s six run first inning. Rob Arata also clubbed a homer in the first inning to get Geneva off and running in the 2007 season. Justin Montgomery pitched the final two innings and allowed just one hit to pick up his first save of the season.
Game two was also highlighted by a pair of homers. Arata connected for the second time in as many games and Mike Bruno also drove one over the fence for one of his two hits in the victory. Arata finished the doubleheader by going 5-6 on the day, including a pair of homers. The star of the nightcap was Geneva′s starting pitcher in sophomore Derek Sumner. Sumner pitched a seven-inning complete game for the victory. He scattered seven hits, while striking out five and not walking a batter.
The Golden Tornadoes will play two more games on Saturday before returning home to prepare for their trip to Florida in 10 days. Geneva opens the home portion of its schedule on March 24th against Walsh University.
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