Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Norristown, Pa. - (4/5/2017) – Chestnut Hill College grinded out two valuable Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) victories over Philadelphia University this afternoon, 4-2 and 5-4. In support of junior Patrick Kelley (Pipersville, Pa.), the Griffins capitalized on a lead-off walk and a misplayed bunt in the sixth inning, and a one-out pinch-hit single from senior Christopher Demey (Phoenixville, Pa.) in the seventh inning to triumph in the opener. In the nightcap, the Scarlet and Gold used a Ram error to tie the game in the second inning, then a two-run triple from junior first baseman Matthew Owens (Cherry Hill, N.J.) and a one-run single from senior third baseman Austin DiBonaventure (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) gave junior Matthew Kress (Lansdale, Pa.) just enough insurance with a three-run third inning.
 
The first game of the twin bill moved along quickly, as play reached the sixth inning without a base runner advancing to third base. Philadelphia University (8-17, 6-8) was first to break the stalemate, using a lead-off single, a sacrifice, and a pair of two-out base hits to grab a 2-0 lead. Chestnut Hill College (10-9-1, 6-3) cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the sixth inning with a lead-off walk to senior left fielder Brandon DiBona (Southampton, Pa.), a misplayed sacrifice bunt from sophomore catcher Eric Gilham (Deptford, N.J.), a wild pitch, an intentional walk to Owens, and a single up the middle from sophomore designated hitter Eric Small (Downingtown, Pa.), 2-1.
 
Unfortunately, the Rams delayed the Griffins there. But the Scarlet and Gold offense resumed in the bottom of the seventh inning, where Demey's pinch-hit single set the wheels in motion. He was replaced at first base by sophomore Vincent Case (Southampton, Pa.), who moved to second base on a walk to junior shortstop Alec Craig (Hammonton, N.J.). A change of pitchers did not help the Rams as the Griffins loaded the bases before a Gilham fielder's choice, an Owens beaning, and a Small single to left field plated three more Chestnut Hill College runs, 4-2. Kelly handed the game off to junior Pat Geraghty (Morristown, N.J.) and sophomore Dino Cattai (Philadelphia, Pa.), who took care of the rest. Kelley (1-3) allowed two runs on five hits and five walk while striking out three in 6.1 innings. Cattai earned his third save of the season without allowing a base runner in the final five outs.
 
Philadelphia University scored first in the second game as well, this time plating two runs in the first inning with a hits batsman and a pair of base hits, 2-0. Chestnut Hill College matched the production in the bottom of the second inning with a one-out Small single, a beaning of senior right field Joseph Monaghan (Doylestown, Pa.), a fielder's choice, a wild pitch, and an error that allowed two Griffins to score, 2-2.
 
The Scarlet and Gold separated just an inning later as a one-out walk to DiBona, a Gilham single to right center, and an Owens triple down the right field line scored two runs, 4-2. Three batters later a DiBonaventure single made it 5-2, which appeared to be plenty of insurance until the Rams' final at-bat. There, the visitors threatened with a pair of two-out runs before Kress (3-1) completed his second game of the season. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four.
 
Chestnut Hill College competes next on Friday, April 7, when they visit Wilmington University for a pair of non-conference contests.