Ft. Myers, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2016) - Senior
Matt Backlund threw a one-hitter in the opener and freshman
John Catchmark earned his first career win in game two as Alvernia University (2-3) swept a doubleheader against Baruch College (4-5) Monday morning in non-confernece baseball action.
The Crusaders got four unearned runs in the third inning of the opener and
Mike Cunningham socked a 3-run, pinch-hit homer in the seventh in support of Backlund, who threw a complete game in the 7-0 win. Baruch scored three runs in the top half of the third inning in game two, but Alvernia answered with four runs in the fifth and three in the sixth for the 7-3 win.
Backlund allowed just a pair of 2-out baserunners--the first on a walk in the fourth and the second on a single in the fifth--and struck out six.
Jon Strouse singled with two out in the third and the Crusaders loaded the bases on back-to-back walks.Â
Ian Shaffer reached on an error by the catcher that allowed two runs to score, then Catchmark--the third baseman in the opener--reached on a fielding error by the right fielder that allowed two more runs to score.
Cameron Coons ripped a one-out single in the seventh and Shaffer reached on an error. Cunningham pinch hit for Catchmark and smacked his first career home run to put the Crusaders up 7-0.
In game two, Baruch scored three runs in the third on two hits and an Alvernia error. The Crusaders plated four runs in the fifth to take the lead. After a one-out walk and a single, the Crusaders pushed single runs across in each of the next four at-bats.Â
Connor Boyle started the string with the RBI, Strouse reached on an error to force in another run, and
Chris Burns and Coons each had RBI singles.
The Crusaders tacked on three more runs in the sixth. Strouse tripled to drive in two then scored on a wild pitch.
Boyle and Coons were both 3-for-4 in game two. Catchmark went six innings and allowed three runs--two earned--with 10 strikeouts.
Alvernia continues the spring break trip playing two games against Rivier College on Monday.
Alvernia 7, Baruch 0 (Game One)
Alvernia 7, Baruch 3 (Game Two)
