Union, N.J. (3/10/15) – Alvernia University used 11 hits to edge the Kean University baseball team by the final of 5-4 on Tuesday afternoon in non-conference action.

In the rain soaked affair, Dan George led all players with three RBI as the Crusaders improved to 7-4.  The loss is the first for the #6/15 Cougars this season who fall to 5-1.

After a scoreless first frame, Alvernia struck first, as George lined a double into the right center gap, plating two with one out.  Kean fought back and picked up one as junior Ryan Kelley tallied an RBI groundout, scoring senior Andy Lopez who reached on a leadoff single.

The score would remain that way until the fourth as the Crusaders widened their lead to three with a bases loaded single from Brok Martin and a bases loaded walk from Ben Dubas.

The Cougars answered right back and tied the game up at four-all in the bottom of the same inning as senior Tom McGuckin led off the inning with a walk.  Junior Sal Taormina lined a triple off the top of the wall to bring home one and Lopez followed with an RBI single to make it 4-3.  Kelley knotted the game up with a sacrifice fly.

Alvernia took the lead for good in the top of the fifth a George lined a one out single up the middle.

Matt Backlund (1-0) picked up the win after tossing seven innings allowed four runs, three earned.  He walked five and struck out three.  Kevin Becker-Menditto earned his third save after tossing two scoreless, hitless frames.

Offensively, Lopez was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Kean is back in action on Wednesday when they face Gwynedd Mercy University at 3 p.m. in a rescheduled contest.