Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (April 20, 2022)- Wilkes University (17-15) used five late runs to defeat Alvernia University (14-19-1) 7-6 in a non-conference baseball matchup Wednesday afternoon at Wilkes.
 
The Golden Wolves kicked off the contest fast, with Justin Ayala hitting a home run to left field in Alvernia's second at-bat of the game to give the Golden Wolves a 1-0 lead. Wilkes threatened to tie it in the bottom of the first, placing a runner on third with two outs, but Alvernia's defense forced a line out to right field to keep Wilkes off the board.
 
Lucas Floyd opened the second inning for Alvernia with a single to center field. Floyd then stole second to get in scoring position. Matt Edwards recorded a single of his own, singling to the left side and pushing Floyd to third. A sacrifice fly from Billy Dougar drove in Floyd, making it a 2-0 Golden Wolves lead.
 
The Colonels responded in the bottom of the second, driving in two runs and drawing the game even, 2-2. Both defenses recovered in the third inning, with no runs batted in during the inning.
 
The fourth inning had Alvernia rounding the bases again, with Floyd doubling to left-center field. Mike Ramundo also got on base, reaching on a walk. Floyd and Ramundo then each advanced a base on a passed ball. Floyd was eventually driven in from third on a groundout to the shortstop by Dougar. A triple from Luca Grammatica allowed Ramundo to cross home plate, making it a 4-2 game.
 
The Golden Wolves grew their lead in the fifth, with Nick Nutile scoring on a fielder's choice. Alvernia's defense held firm again, holding the Colonels scoreless in the fifth inning. The Golden Wolves headed into the sixth inning with a 5-2 lead.
 
Both teams were unable to score in the sixth inning, with the Golden Wolves taking their three-run lead into the seventh inning. The Colonel's offense ended their drought in the bottom of the seventh, recording three runs and drawing the contest even 5-5 to end the inning.
 
The Colonels continued to gain momentum in the eighth inning, holding the Golden Wolves scoreless. Wilkes was able to tally two runs of its own in the bottom of the inning, taking its first lead of the night and making it a 7-5 game going into the ninth.
 
Alvernia fought desperately to get back out in front, with Ayala hitting a triple to center field to lead off the top of the ninth. A single from Nick Nutile drove in Ayala, making it a one-run game in favor of the Colonels. Despite the effort, the Colonels proved to be too much for the Golden Wolves, with Wilkes ending the contest on top of Alvernia, 7-6.
 
Floyd and Ayala both recorded two hits and one RBI on the evening.
 
The Golden Wolves return to action Saturday as they travel to Lebanon Valley College for a MAC Commonwealth doubleheader.