Reading, Pa. (March 24, 2023) - Alvernia University (12-6, 6-1) used a five-run third inning to take game one of its three game MAC Commonwealth series with York College (8-9, 4-3) on Friday afternoon in conference baseball action at Alvernia. 

After having its first six batters retired, Alvernia got things rolling in the bottom of the third to take a 5-0 lead. Alvernia kept the Spartans off the board with a seven-inning, seven strikeout performance from Evan Wood. The Golden Wolves tacked one on in the fifth inning. While the Spartans got on the board in the ninth inning, they never threatened as Alvernia came away with the 6-1 win.

The Spartans had the best chance at striking first in the top of the second, but Alvernia got out of a two-on, one-out jam with a strikeout and ground to keep York off the board.'

Alvernia then struck first in its half of the third. With runners on the corners, Conner Friedel came around to score on an error by the Spartans along the first base line on the at-bat of Cameron Abele. Zach Rogacki then hit a bases clearing triple to right field to put Alvernia up 3-0 with one out.

Following a walk by Mike Ramundo, Jason Kelly hit one through the left side to score Rogacki. Brandon Smith capped off the inning with an infield single to score Ramundo and give Alvernia the 5-0 lead.

The Spartans looked to be building another potential opportunity in the top of the fifth with runners on first and second and one out. But, Rogacki picked off the runner on second to pick up the second out, and the Spartans lined out to second for the third out.

Alvernia added one on to its lead in the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer from Kelly over the left field fence.

Both teams combined for just three hits over the next three innings as the game entered the top of the ninth with Alvernia leading 6-0. But, the Spartans spoiled the shutout bid with a solo homer to lead off the top of the ninth. Alvernia retired the next three batters to take the 6-1 win in the first of its three game series with York.

Wood allowed just three hits and struck out seven in the win on the mound. Rogacki and Kelly finished with two hits and two RBIs each to lead Alvernia's offense.

Alvernia is back in action on Sunday to finish out its series with York with a doubleheader starting at noon at York.