March 5, 2002

HOMESTEAD, Fla.-The University of Pittsburgh baseball plated three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to salvage an 8-8 tie against Lehigh on Monday evening at the Homestead Challenge. After the game was called due to darkness, the Panthers now stand at 8-0-1 on the season.

Trailing 8-5 heading into the bottom of the ninth, Pittsburgh totaled its three runs on three hits. A one-out single by Michael Bell was quickly followed by a two-run, pinch-hit homer by Chris Papst, pulling the Panthers to within one run. Brad Papciak continued the rally with an infield single, advanced to third after an error and fielder's choice, and scored the tying run on a wild pitch.

Pittsburgh had earlier grabbed a 5-1 lead highlighted by a two-run double by Rolando Bello in the first inning and a solo home run from Brad Rea in the fifth inning, his team-leading third of the season. However, a seven-run outburst in the seventh inning was the downfall for the Panthers.

Rea finished the game with three hits in five at-bats and added two runs and one RBI. Brant Colamarino and Rob Beahn each pounded out two hits.

P.J. Hiser started the game and went six innings, striking out a career-high nine batters.