Stevenson, Md. (Apr. 20, 2018) - Alvernia University (24-9, 13-3) scored four runs in the top of the ninth for a 12-9 win over Stevenson University (15-17, 6-10) in game one of a 3-game MAC Commonwealth baseball series Friday afternoon at Stevenson.

The win secured a postseason berth for Alvernia in the MAC Commonwealth.  The Golden Wolves have qualified for the championships every year since joining the league in the 2009-10 season.

The Mustangs trailed 8-1 after five and a half innings, but scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth, four more in the seventh to tie it, and pushed across the go-ahead run in the eighth.

Ian Shaffer led off the top of the ninth with a double, moved up on a sacrifice bunt from Alex Salesky, and scored on an error in the infield to tie the game at 9-all.  Dillon Dunne followed with a single and after a wild pitch, the Mustangs intentionally walked Nathan Sides to load the bases.

Matt Briner drew a bases loaded walk to force in the go-ahead run for Alvernia and Ben Dubas hit a two-run single to left for some breathing room.

The Mustangs had the potential tying run at the plate against Kyle Gaynor in the bottom of the ninth after a two-out walk, but Gaynor closed out the save getting a fly ball to left.

Five different players had multi-hit games for the Wolves led by Sides, Briner, and Shaffer who had three hits apiece.

Sean Esch earned a no decision giving up five earned runs over six innings.  Nicholas Marotta improved to 4-1 by getting out of the bottom of the eighth, and Gaynor picked up his fifth save.

The series moves to Angelica Park on Saturday for two seven inning games starting at noon.

Alvernia 12, Stevenson 9