Grantham, Pa. (April 14, 2023) - Alvernia University (20-10, 11-5) was stunned by Messiah University (15-15-1, 11-8) in extra innings as the Falcons walked off the game in the bottom of the tenth on a throwing error by Alvernia on a first and third situation with two outs. The throwing error gave Messiah the game-winning run as the Falcons took a 5-4 win over Alvernia in the first game of a MAC Commonwealth series on Friday at Messiah.

After Alvernia took a 4-2 lead in the top of the tenth, Messiah scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning to overtake Alvernia for the 5-4 win. 

In an early pitching dual, Messiah threatened to strike first in the bottom of the fourth with a runner on third and two outs, but Jake Umans was able to retire the next batter as Messiah's Ryan Friend flew out on a fly ball down the right field line to end the inning.

Alvernia also threatened with a runner 90 feet away with two outs in the top of the fifth as Billy Dougar walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a groundout by Thomas Faggioni. But, Evan Thomas flew out to third base to keep the game at 0–0 going into the bottom of the fifth.

Zach Rogacki put Alvernia on the board first with a two-strike homer over the right field fence to lead off Alvernia in the top of the sixth and give Alvernia the 1-0 lead. But, Alvernia's next three batters were retired to keep it a 1-0 game going into the bottom half of the inning.

Alvernia's 1-0 lead did not last long, as Messiah took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth on following a lead-off walk and a two-run homer.

Alvernia evened it up in the top of the seventh as Brandon Smith scored on a throwing error.

Messiah had runners in scoring position in the eighth and ninth innings, but could not capitalize as the game moved into extras.

Alvernia drove in two runs in the top of the tenth to take a 4-2 lead on the Falcons as Jason Kelly drove in two runs on a triple down the right field line to score Rogacki and Grant Fitzgerald.

Messiah stepped to the plate looking to even it up in the bottom of the tenth and got to work with a leadoff single. The Falcons then loaded up the bases on a walk, and drove in a run on a third consecutive walk to get within one. Messiah evened it up at 4-4 on the next at bat on a sacrifice fly, putting runners on first and third. The Falcon on first took off for second, and Alvernia went to attempt to pick him off, but instead overthrew the pickoff attempt into the outfield as the runner on third scored for the game-winning run.

Rogacki led Alvernia with two hits, two runs, and an RBI.

Jake Umans got the start on the mound for Alvernia, going four and two thirds and allowing four hits without a run scored. Josh Kreider made a mid-relief appearance, going two and two thirds and allowing one hit. 

Alvernia looks to bounce back on Sunday as the Golden Wolves host the Falcons to close out the series with a doubleheader.