Sforza, Gray Named Landmark All-Conference

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College baseball saw two Eagles named to Landmark All-Conference teams Wednesday.  Junior Joe Sforza (Pittstown, N.J./Immaculata) earned first-team honors while fellow junior Dan Gray (Johnstown, Pa./Richland) was named to the second-team, respectively.  This is the first Landmark postseason honor for each Eagle.

"Dan and Joe's offensive output has been consistent all year," said head coach Jesse Leonard.  "They worked themselves into good counts and came through in the clutch when we needed them.  They didn't have many wasted at bats this year and are very deserving of the honor."

Sforza, named the team's most valuable player, led the squad in doubles, tied for the lead in home runs and finished second in total hits.  He went .320 at the plate and knocked in a team-high 26 runs.  Sforza was selected as the first-team designated hitter but also pitched for the Eagles.  He earned two wins in nine appearances and finished with a team-best 30 strikeouts.

"Joe's level of concentration while pitching and designated hitting is something that not a lot of players can do," added Leonard.

Gray finished third on the team in hits and second in doubles with seven.  He appeared in all but two of the Eagles games this past season and finished with a .411 on-base percentage. The catcher was also second in runs scored.

"Defensively, Dan showed great control of the field and the game," said Leonard.  "His knowledge of conference hitters and our approach to pitching was helpful to the pitching staff."

Eagles have been recognized on Landmark All-Conference teams since the league began.  This is the fourth straight year Juniata has had a first-team selection.

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