Reading, Pa. (April 8, 2022) - Alvernia University (11-16-1, 4-2) posted three runs in the bottom of the seventh to edge Eastern University (9-18, 2-4) in a 3-2 win over the Eagles on Friday afternoon in MAC Commonwealth baseball action at Alvernia.

While Alvernia's offense struggled to get on base in the first six innings, the Alvernia defense kept the Eagles at bay. Starting pitcher Jack Cossa allowed just seven hits over seven innings while striking seven batters. The Eagles got on the board with an RBI single to left in the top of the second, but could not do anymore until the top of the seventh when they added one on a single to right to go up 2-0. 

Alvernia's offense was held to just two hits through six innings until the bats came alive in the bottom of the seventh. Nick Nutile got things started with a single to second and advanced to second base on a throwing error. A single by Thomas Faggioni in the next at bat brought in Nutile and cut Eastern's lead in half, 2-1.

Eastern then had trouble covering the bunt on the next two batters, giving Alvernia the opportunity to load the bases. The Golden Wolves then evened it up at 2-2 on a wild pitch, and took the 3-2 lead on a sacrifice fly to center by Matthew Edwards to score Lucas Floyd. 

In the top of the eighth, Eastern put the tying run on first to lead off the inning. Christian Burrus, making a relief appearance, then struckout the next batter and followed that by forcing a double play to end the inning. 

Much like the top of the eighth, Eastern led off the top of the ninth by putting the game-tying run on first to lead off the inning.That runner was then advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt, but Eastern recorded its first out. Burrus then struck out the next batter for out number two. Alvernia then made a pitching change and put Shayne Ostrowsky on the mound to end the inning. Ostrowsky did his job and forced a fly out to right field for out number three and to secure the 3-2 win over Eastern.

Zach Rogacki led Alvernia's offense going 2-for-4 at the plate. Cossa picked up the win with his seven strikeout performance and Ostrowsky picked up the save.

Alvernia returns to action tomorrow with a MAC Commonwealth home doubleheader against York College.