BOX SCORE

Union, N.J. (Mar. 20, 2013) - Ninth-ranked Kean University (11-4) took advantage of its first-inning threats with seven runs on seven hits and an error on its way to a 15-6 win over Alvernia University (9-5) Wednesday afternoon in a non-conference baseball match up between two regional powers at Jim Hynes Stadium.

Alvernia has been to the last four NCAA Regionals. Kean--the 2007 National Champion--has been to the last seven.

The Crusaders opened Wednesday's game with a major threat in the first as the first five batters reached base.  Leadoff batter Leon Stimpson (Philadelphia, Pa./Malvern Prep) singled and moved up on a walk then scored on a throwing error by the Kean pitcher covering a bunt attempt.  Matt Patterson (Hamilton, N.J./Nottingham) followed with a run-scoring single and the Crusaders were up 2-0 with the bases loaded and no one out.

Senior catcher Kevin Bailey (Fallston, Md./Fallston) lined out to second and Kean starter Dan Hansen got an inning-ending double play to severly limit the damage.

Kean had two across to tie the game in the bottom of the inning and was still batting with the bases loaded and one out.  Alvernia starter Matt Osgoodby (Manasquan, N.J./Wall) induced a grounder to first that cut down the runner at home, but couldn't slam the door as the Cougars put together three straight two-out hits to push their lead to 7-2 after the first inning.

They tacked on three more in the second and four more in the third for a 14-2 lead.

Alvernia fought back in the fourth plating three runs on three hits and two walks, but mustered just one more run over the final five innings.

Stimpson, Chris Ray (Exton, Pa./Henderson), and Bailey each had two hits.  Bailey led the way with two runs scored and five different players had one RBI.

Alvernia returns to the conference schedule on Friday when it hosts Messiah College at 3:30 p.m.

#9 Kean 15, Alvernia 6