BARNSTORMERS BLANK LBC CHARGERS

In soccer, they call it a friendly match. It was also the case on Friday afternoon as the Lancaster Barnstormers defeated the Chargers from Lancaster Bible College, 8-0, in the annual exhibition event.

The two clubs ate dinner together afterward as the collegiate squad got to rub shoulders with the pros, nine of whom have logged Major League time.

Travis Witherspoon was the offensive star for the Barnstormers, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBI. The center fielder ignited the offense with a double to right center opening the first. He would score on a one-out single to center by Caleb Gindl. Witherspoon also singled up the middle in the second inning, driving home Scott David with the club’s third run.

He added a bases loaded single to left in the five-run sixth inning that broke the game open.

Six Lancaster pitchers checked the Chargers on four singles. Austin Bibens-Dirkx went the first three innings, striking out four. Scott Gracey, Pete Andrelczyk, Mark Lamm, Alex Pepe and Jason Stevenson worked an inning apiece.

The Barnstormers’ five-game spring schedule continues Saturday with the club’s annual Fan Fest. Gates open at noon. Lancaster will host the division rival Southern Maryland Blue Crabs beginning at 1:00.