Observer-Reporter

Top-seeded Washington & Jefferson is one win from playing in the PAC championship game.

Sophomore southpaw Ian Poole threw seven innings and John Astfalk earned a two-inning save as the Presidents defeated Westminster, 3-2, in the opening round of the PAC baseball tournament Thursday at Ross Memorial Park.

W&J, ranked 26th in NCAA Division III, plays Thiel today (12 p.m.) with the winner advancing to the championship game.

The Tomcats, the third seed in the tournament, defeated Thomas More 6-5.

After Westminster took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on John Izzo's run-scoring double, W&J's Justin Benson scored on Chris Varacallo's sacrifice fly in the fourth to tie the score.

An inning later, the Presidents (29-10) scored twice to take a 3-1 lead. Matt Pellis doubled, stole third base and scored on a throwing error. Freshman Michael Kennedy singled home Ron Mitko for what proved to be the game-winning run.

The Titans (17-20) got one run back in the sixth inning on Mike Busin's home run. Busin was 3-for-4.

Poole scattered eight hits with one strikeout in his seven innings of work.

Astfalk struck out two and gave up just one hit. Neither Presidents pitcher walked a batter.

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