Junior catcher Kevin Nolan (Ossining, N.Y./Fordham Prep) showed off his defensive prowess and sophomore infielder Ian McIntosh (Newtown, Pa./LaSalle College H.S.) blasted a grand slam to lead The University of Scranton baseball team to a 15-4 win over Penn State-Abington on Wednesday afternoon at Connell Park.

Nolan threw out three would-be base stealers and picked off two other base runners, both with ease, to lead the Royals (13-18) to their fourth victory in their last five non-conference games. All five impressive throws came with the game still in doubt.

Any doubt exited the ballpark when McIntosh launched his grand slam as part of a five-run seventh inning that put Scranton ahead, 14-4. The long home run to left field was McIntosh's second in the last three games, having also hit a solo home run on Sunday at PNC Field against Drew.

The Royals scored in seven of the eight innings in which they came to the plate and banged out 16 hits on the day. Nolan finished with two hits, a run and an RBI, and junior infielder Justin Howell (Millington, N.J./Watchung Hills) singled, doubled and drove in a run.

Twelve other Scranton players had a hit each, including RBI doubles from senior first baseman Alex Muggeo (Harrington Park, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) and freshman shortstop Travis Adams (Clark, N.J./St. Joseph's).

Sophomore right hander Matt McDonald (Clarks Summit, Pa./Abington Heights) picked up his first career win by working 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits and a walk while striking out four. Senior David Chromey (Old Forge, Pa./Old Forge), juniors Brian Jenkins (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) and Anthony Caladie (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood) and sophomore Pat Rohr (Audubon, Pa./Devon Prep) combined to throw 3 2/3 shutout innings of relief, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out three.

The Royals are back in action on Saturday, April 29, when they travel to Bethlehem, Pa. to take on Moravian at 1 p.m. in a Landmark Conference doubleheader.

--ROYALS--