Union, N.J. (2/17/20) – The Kean University baseball team made it two in a run to open the season, as they defeated Alvernia University, 9-2, on Monday afternoon.

Michael Lapczynski and Chris Ciaccio led the way for #5/11 Kean (2-0) as they each recorded three hits on the day, with Lapczynski driving in two and Ciaccio one.

The Cougars batted around in the second frame, scoring seven, getting all the offense they would need.  Ciaccio singled on the first pitch he saw this season and Phil Marcantonio followed with a full count walk to put runners on first and second.  Brandon Johannessen loaded the bases after reaching on an errant throw on a sacrifice attempt.  Lapczynski delivered with a single up the middle and a quick 2-0 lead.  Cristian Corcione and Philip Mahlik each registered RBI in the next two at bats with a single and fielders choice.  Later in the inning Zachary Marzano grounded out with two runners on for an RBI and Ciaccio, batting for the second time in the frame, rounded out the scoring with an RBI single.

Kean added a single run in the fourth on a bases loaded walk from Marcantonio to put the score at 8-0.

Alvernia (0-2) erased the shutout in the sixth.  The Golden Wolves loaded the bases with no outs.  Starter Kevin Stewart almost worked out of the jam with a strikeout and pop up but Joe Ginder, who had two of Alvernia's three hits on the day, lined one up the middle, driving in two.

The Cougars closed out the scoring in the seventh, scoring on a passed ball.

Stewart earned his first win of the season as he allowed just two hits in six innings of work.  He fanned six.

Kean returns to action on Tuesday when they host Drew University at 3 p.m.