OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The University of Scranton baseball team rode the strength of an eight-run third inning to defeat fourth-ranked Keystone, 9-5, on Saturday at Stevenson University in part of the Charm City Classic.

The Royals (3-1) were led by junior infielder Justin Howell (Millington, N.J./Watchung Hills), who went 3-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI. Senior outfielder Anthony Simone (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley Senior) had two hits, a run and an RBI, and junior outfielder Tommy Trotter (Cranford, N.J./Cranford) singled, doubled, scored a run and drove one in.

Scranton fell behind, 2-0, after two innings, but responded with the big eight-run third inning. Senior catcher Dan Hansen (Helena, Mont./Helena) and freshman first baseman Kevin Haag (Ossining, N.Y./Ossining/Bridgton Academy) both had two-run singles in the uprising. Howell and Simone added RBI singles, junior outfielder Ryan Coonahan (Oreland, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) was hit by a pitch to drive in a run, and the Royals tacked on the eighth and final run on a Keystone error.

Senior righty Sean McNamara (Scarsdale, N.Y./Fordham Prep) worked the first six innings to pick up his second win of the season, allowing four runs, two earned, on nine hits and a walk. Freshman lefty Kyle Bravin (Washington Township, N.J./Westwood) worked the final three innings for the save, allowing an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out one.

The Royals banged out 11 hits and worked three walks in the victory, overcoming to errors in the field.

Keystone (0-1) finished with 10 hits and two walks at the plate while committing one error in the field.

Scranton is back in action in the Charm City Classic on Sunday, taking on the host Stevenson at 11 a.m., followed by a matchup against Frostburg State at 2:30 p.m.

--ROYALS--