FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Thiel College baseball team outlasted the Alvernia Crusaders 4-3 on the fourth day of competition at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.
Dan Koller knocked three doubles in the game for the Tomcats, tying a single-game program record.
The Tomcats got out to an early two-run lead in the top of the second inning. Trent Mosley brought home Koller on a single down the left field line. Three batters later, Brian Genco doubled to right-center field that scored Mosley from second.
After the Crusaders scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning, Matt Elko scored from third on a RBI groundout by Mosley in the top of the sixth inning,
The Tomcats relied on some ninth-inning heroics after the Crusaders tied up the game in the bottom of the seventh. Koller led off the top of the ninth with a double to deep right field. Two wild pitches by Nicholas Marotta of Alvernia brought Koller home for the game-winning run.
Nick Bucci came in relief of starter Riley Schwertz and picked up his first collegiate victory. Schwertz earned a quality start pitching seven innings and striking out four Crusaders. Elko recorded his first career save, pitching a scoreless ninth inning and striking out two batters.
The Tomcats (3-2) will continue in the Gene Cusic Classic taking on the Rockford Regents on Thursday. First pitch from Terry Park will be at noon.