Grantham, Pa. (Mar. 24, 2016) - Ryan Sheekey threw a strong 7.1 innings and Antonio Baglivo nailed down the save as Alvernia University (9-9, 3-1) opened the three-game series against Messiah College (9-10, 3-1) Thursday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth baseball action at Messiah.

Alvernia scored once in the top of the fourth, Messiah answered with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning, then Alvernia scored in the eighth for a 2-1 lead.

Lou Marotta took the ball against Messiah's top offensive threat, Joseph Saufley, in the top of the ninth and plunked him on the first pitch of the inning.  The Crusaders went back to the pen for Baglivo who struck out the first batter he faced, got a fly out to right, then stranded Saufley at second on a line drive to defensive replacement Matt Alpaugh at second base.

Chris Burns was hit by a pitch with one out in the fourth, stole second, and scored on a single by Ben Dubas.

Messiah's Kyle Wickenheiser homered with two out and no one on in the bottom of the inning--his second long ball in as many days.

Nathan Sides tripled down the right field line to lead off the eighth inning and came in on a single from Connor Boyle.

After four games in four days the Crusaders get a breather for Easter and will complete the Messiah series when the Falcons visit Angelica Park on Monday for a doubleheader starting at noon.

Alvernia 2, Messiah 1