Ewing, N.J. (Mar. 23, 2016) - The College of New Jersey (10-1) scored five runs in the first two innings then stranded the potential tying run at second in the ninth with a pair of strikeouts in a 5-3 win over Alvernia University (8-9) Wednesday afternoon in non-conference baseball action at TCNJ.

The Lions got a 2-run homer from Pat Roberts as part of a 3-run first inning then took a 5-0 lead with two runs in the second.

The Crusaders had the bases loaded with one out in the third when Connor Boyle was hit by a pitch.  Nathan Sides drove in a run with a single, and the Lions got a big out when Chris Burns hit a grounder to first that turned into a force at the plate.  Alvernia junior Cameron Coons stepped up in a big spot with a single to left driving in two more.

Neither team score in the fourth through eighth and Alvernia mounted a final threat in the top of the ninth.  Ian Shaffer walked to start the inning, and Mike Cunningham singled with one out.  The Lions went to closer Matt Curry and he walked Boyle to load the bases.  Curry then left the bases loaded stranding the potential game-tying run at second base with back-to-back striekouts.

Boyle finished with three hits in five at-bats for the Crusaders.  Coons went 1-for-4 with two RBIs.  Matt Backlund gave five runs--four earned--over five innings on seven hits.

Alvernia keeps a big week rolling right along with a single game at conference foe Messiah on Thursday.

TCNJ 5, Alvernia 3