Stevenson, Md. (March 14, 2021) - Alvernia University (4-2) split a non-conference doubleheader with Stevenson University (4-2) on Sunday at Stevenson University.
In game one of the doubleheader, Alvernia trailed 2-0 after three innings following a two run homer by the Mustangs in the bottom of the third.
Alvernia responded in its half of the fourth with a double by
Brandon Smith to score
Thomas Faggioni and a double by
Joe Ginder to bring in Smith and tie the game at 2-2.
The Golden Wolves broke the tie in the top of the fifth on a sacrifice fly by
Nick Nutile to score
Mike Cirilli and take the 3-2 lead. Alvernia added to its lead to on an RBI single to center to score Faggioni, and Smith would end up scoring on a wild pitch to put Alvernia up 5-2.
Alvernia tacked on two more in the top of the sixth with RBIs by
Billy Dougar and Cirilli.
A big seventh inning for Alvernia broke the game open with
Brandon Smith scoring on a fielder's choice, and
Kyler Newton scoring on a bases loaded hit by pitch on Cirilli. In a pinch hit appearance,
Jason Kelly hit a bases clearing double down the left field line to drive in Alvernia's final three runs of the game and put the Golden Wolves up 12-2.
Stevenson got a run back in the bottom of the seventh, but fell 12-3.
Cirilli led Alvernia's offense with a 4-for-4 performance with two RBIs.
Shane Ostrowsky picked up the win with six strikeouts and three hits over six innings of work.
In game two, Alvernia fell in walk-off fashion after trailing the majority of the game.
Alvernia struck first in the top of the first on an RBI single to left by Smith to score Dougar.
The Mustangs tied it on a single to right and took the 3-1 lead on a two run single to center.
Alvernia tied it up in the top of the fourth with runs by Kelly and
Mike Ramundo to make it 3-3, but the Mustangs responded with a three run fourth to go up 6-3.
Stevenson extended its lead to 8-3 in the bottom of the seventh.
The Golden Wolves mounted a comeback in their half of the ninth, and it got started with an RBI double by Faggioni to score Cirilli. Nutile then scored on a groundout by Smith. Newton kept things going for Alvernia and singled down the left field line to score Faggioni. Kelly then singled to left, bringing in Newton and bringing Alvernia within one run. A Stevenson error on Ramundo's at bat brought in Ginder and tied the game at 8-8.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and one out, Stevenson hit a walk-off single to right to take the 9-8 win.
Ginder and Kelly each finished with two hits for the Golden Wolves, and
Brandon Smith finished with two RBIs.
Jake Reese got the start on the mound for Alvernia and struck out four over four innings of work.
Alvernia is scheduled to return to action on Saturday with a doubleheader against Messiah.
