Whittier, Calif. (3/9/14) – The Kean University baseball team used an early surge on their way to sweeping the University of La Verne, 8-6, Saturday afternoon.

The win completes a three game set sweep as the Cougars (9-1) defeated La Verne, 7-6 both Friday and Saturday in addition to Sunday's win.  The loss drops La Verne to 6-10 this season.

After falling behind 1-0 after the first, Kean used two three-run innings to sprint out to a 6-1 lead.  Highlighting the second and third included four plays all by the sophomore class-a bases loaded walk by Michael Kendall, an RBI fielder's choice from Chris Amato, an RBI double by Eric Fernandez and an RBI single by Sal Taormina. 

The Leopards crept closer with three runs between the fifth and sixth innings, but Kean added insurance in the eighth with a two spot.  Senior Matt Horican crossed the plate via a wild pitch while senior Shane Alvarez drove home Kendall, who reached on a LaVerne miscue.

The Leopards made things interested in the ninth, inching closer with a single run, while loading the bases, but sophomore Vinny Zanfordino got out of the jam, earning his second save of the season.

Offensively, Horican and Taormina each recorded two hits, including a double from Horican. 

On the mound, junior Matt Mantione (pictured left) earned the win.  He allowed four runs in five and two thirds innings of work.  Mantione (2-0) struck out five and walked two. 

Kean faces west-coast rival Chapman University on Monday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.