Reading, Pa. (Mar. 27, 2015) - Widener University (7-5, 3-0) scored two runs in the top of the ninth then turned a game-ending double play for a 4-3 win over Alvernia University (10-7, 3-2) Friday afternoon in Commonwealth Conference baseball action at Angelica Park.

Alvernia scored two runs in the first inning then took a 3-2 lead with a run in the seventh.  Widener pushed across two runs against Alvernia closer Kevin Becker-Menditto in the ninth.  Nick Enos reached on a single up the middle with two out and John Petrongolo drove him in with an opposite field double to the fence in left.  Michael Elfreth hit a grounder up the middle that Richie Ricciardi knocked down, but in an attempt to pick it up, Ricciardi deflected the ball into center field allowing the pinch runner to score.

Cameron Coons started the bottom of the ninth drawing a walk from Widener starter Joe Santone.  He moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and went to third with one out on a wild pitch.  James Bertolotti, who reached base all four times up, drew a walk on a full count and Brok Martin hit a ground ball up the middle that the Pride was able to turn into a game-ending double play stranding Coons at third.

Vinny Case led off the bottom of the first with a home run to left field and the Crusaders scored a second run in the opening inning on a Widener error.  The Pride scored single runs in the fourth and fifth to tie the game at 2-2.  Bertolotti scored from second in the bottom of the seventh when the Widener catcher tried to pick a runner off first and his throw bounded into shallow right field.

The two teams continue the 3-game series Saturday with a doubleheader at Widener that is set to start at 1:00 p.m.

Widener 4, Alvernia 3