Box Score
READING, PA – The Alvernia University baseball team defeated Rowan University, 17-4 in a nonconference game on Tuesday evening.
The Crusaders improve to 8-2, while the Profs have a 3-3 record. Right-hander Shane Zellers (sr. Wiconisco, PA/Williams Valley) pitched 5.1 innings, allowing one earned for the win. He struck out seven batters. Righty Mike Kramer (so. Summit, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) took the loss, giving up three earned runs in 1.1 innings.
Alvernia was led by third baseman Chuck Krickling (sr. Chesterfield, NJ/Northern Burlington) with two hits (four at bats), three RBIs, three runs scored and a double. Right fielder Steve DeBarberie (sr. Drexel Hill, PA/Monsignor Bonner) went three for four with four runs scored and one RBI. Second baseman Tim Ahlquist (jr. Millville, NJ/Millville) added three hits (four at bats), three runs scored, two RBIs and a double. Left fielder Brian Witkowski (fr. Ewing, NJ/Notre Dame) chipped in with two hits (six at bats), four RBIs and a double. Shortstop Chris Ray (fr. Exton, PA/West Chester Henderson) drove in two runs, while center fielder Nole Saylor (jr. Boyertown, PA/Boyertown) scored three times.
For Rowan, center fielder Matt Citro (jr. Bloomsbury, NJ/Phillipsburg) was two for four with two RBIs and a double. Catcher Nick Turano (so. Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) registered three hits (five at bats), one RBI and a double. Second baseman Brandon Winkler (so. Glendora, NJ/Paul VI) contributed with one hit (four at bats) and one run scored.
Alvernia jumped out to a 9-0 lead with two runs in the first inning, one in the second and six in the third. The Profs got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth. Left fielder Scott Weaver (jr. Ledgewood, NJ/Roxbury) was hit by a pitch and later came home on a single to left center field by Turano. Alvernia added one run in the bottom half to make the score, 10-1.
Rowan added one run in the top of the fifth after Winkler scored on an error. The Crusaders tacked on three runs in the bottom half of the fifth and sixth innings to lead, 16-2. The Profs scored twice in the top of the eighth. Citro doubled in designated hitter C.J. Szymczak (fr. Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) and pinch hitter Matt Johanson (sr. Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.). Alvernia added on run in the bottom half to complete the scoring.
Rowan travels to the Russ Matt Tournament in Central Florida from Saturday-Friday, March 13-19. On Saturday, March 13, the Profs face Curry College (MA) at 2:30 p.m.