Box Score

CAMDEN, N.J. – The Neumann University baseball team dropped a hard fought game to conference rival Keystone College in a 7-6 upset on Thursday afternoon in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action.

The Knights held a strong lead throughout the game, coming out of the seventh inning 6-1, but the Giants were not quite ready to finish, as the ninth inning brought their bats alive and the win.

Neumann started capitalizing most of their runs in the fifth inning beginning with a single down left field by Will Flores, who went 4-for-5 on the day, that brought in Marty Sessa and allowing Matt Grossi to advance to third. With a steal from Flores, Derrek Etsell was able to bring home Grossi and Flores with a double to right field, making the score 3-1 going into the sixth inning.

Bats were still hot for the Knights coming into the seventh inning when Grossi, Flores, Etsell, Joey Armata, and Kevin Flanigan all were successful at the plate. With two outs left and Grossi on first, Flores and Armata both picked up clutch doubles boosting their lead to 4-1. The Knights went on to justify themselves even more; loading the bases with a walk by Tyler Drinkard, senior Kevin Flanigan was in perfect position to put the game away as he doubled to right field bringing home Etsell and Armata to make the score 6-1.

Unfortunately for the Knights, the last remaining innings were unfavorable, as the Giants would come away to score six runs, ending the game 7-6 benefiting Keystone.

Russ Gilliam started on the mound for the Knights, dealing in natural form for 8.0 innings, snagging a total of eight strikeouts and only allowing six hits and one run. Jake Yarber came in for the ninth inning and took the loss.

This will not damper or get in the way of the Knights (19-7, 5-2 CSAC) and will only work as a motivator as they meet with the Giants of Keystone College in an away double header game Saturday April 7. First pitch is slated for 12:00 PM.