SLIPPERY ROCK - As it tried to make the second round of the PIAA playoffs, the Grove City baseball team was struck by lightning - of the two-out variety.

Peters Township managed four runs on four consecutive hits with two outs in the top of the third inning.

The offensive outburst proved to be the difference in a 5-2 win over the Eagles in a Class AAA first-round game at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park Monday evening.

"We're always telling the kids not to quit," said Indians coach Joe Maize. "And we've scored a lot of runs with two outs this season."

Grove City starting pitcher Andy Geibel took a line drive off his right foot off the bat of Aaron Maize to open the third inning.

The ball was hit so hard that it caromed off Geibel's foot and straight to second baseman Derek Maybee, who threw on to first for the out.

Geibel didn't appear to be physically hampered by the incident, though he experienced control problems immediately following the play.

He walked Ben Cain on four pitches and went to a 2-0 count on Ryan Maize before giving up a base hit.

Ryan Maize was caught stealing moments later, as Cain moved to third base.

The Indians' Luke Pisarcik and Shane Eckels followed with RBI singles, the latter later scoring on a passed ball.

Jordan Jankowski doubled home courtesy runner Kyle Ubinger and Peters had a 4-0 lead.

Jankowski's hit forced Grove City coach Pat Forese to pull Geibel in favor of Bobby Revesz.

"I don't know if the line drive that hit his foot affected his pitching at all," Forese said. "Andy's done a great job pitching for us this season. He was 7-0 coming in, but he got in a bit of trouble and we had to take him out."

The Eagles fought back with two runs in their half of the third on an RBI double from Jesse Alfreno and a sacrifice fly from Dan Keil.

Grove City's next scoring threat came in the bottom of the fifth inning.

After Indians starter Jason Conley retired the first two batters, Alfreno's single was sandwiched between walks to Bill Herman and Keil.

Forese sent pinch-hitter Ross Trinch to the plate with the bases loaded.

The freshman worked the count to 2-2, but he struck out to end the inning.

"Ross didn't see many varsity at-bats this season," said Forese. "But he's a good fastball hitter, so we sent him up there to see what he could do."

It was the biggest out of the game for Conley, who pitched all seven innings, striking out eight and walking three.

"He did a good job of getting in front of their hitters tonight," said Joe Maize. "He got stronger as the game went on."

Revesz had a solid outing in relief, holding the Indians scoreless on just two hits in 3

innings pitched.

Peters Township's final run came on Eckels' RBI base hit off of Grove City's Jim Jaskowak in the final inning.

Conley retired the Eagles in order in the bottom of the seventh, dashing any hopes Grove City had of a comeback.

Peters Township will take on the winner of the Perry-Moon first-round affair Thursday.

Peters Twp. 004 000 1 - 5 10 0Grove City 002 000 0 - 2 6 1WP: Jason Conley (7 IP) 8 strikeouts, 3 walks.

LP: Andy Geibel (2 2/3 IP) 0 strikeouts, 1 walk

Peters Township (18-5): Shane Eckels 3-1B RBI R, Ryan Maize 2-1B, Kevin McGuire 3B, Jordan Jankowski 2B RBI

Grove City (18-5): Beau Fisher R, Bill Herman 1B R, Jesse Alfreno 1B 2-2B RBI, Dan Keil RBI, Brandon Jones 1B, Dan Sonntag 1B