North Wales, Pa. - (3/14/2021) – Gannon University scored five runs in their first three at-bats, overshadowing Chestnut Hill College's two-run first inning, 5-2, and a two-out, two-run single from junior centerfielder John Contoudis (Jenkintown, Pa.) in the third inning, 5-3. Fortunately, the Griffins recovered with a 10-run fifth inning that included a two-run double from senior left fielder Ameir Uzzell (Levittown, Pa.). The double was the his 150^th collegiate career and it inspired the Griffins to the eventual 15-6 victory over the Golden Knights.

Chestnut Hill College (3-2) battled back from an early 3-0 deficit with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. A leadoff single from senior second baseman Patrick Meenan (Oreland, Pa.), a walk to junior catcher Sam Barletta (Royersford, Pa.), a passed ball, and a run-scoring grounder from Contoudis closed the gap to a single run, 3-2. Unfortunately, Gannon University (2-2) added a run in each of their two at-bats, 5-2, and one more in the fifth inning to remain three runs ahead of the Griffins heading to the Scarlet and Gold's fifth at-bat, 6-3.

There, Meenan walked to lead off the at-bat and quickly moved to third base on a Barletta double. He was the first of two Griffins to score on Uzzell's historic hit, 6-5, and with momentum in hand, Chestnut Hill College took the lead on a two-run single from junior first baseman Andrew Dietz (Warrington, Pa.), 7-6. Succeeding base-hits from senior third baseman Thomas Spratt (Doylestown, Pa.), 8-6, and freshman shortstop Nate O'Donnell (Hatfield, Pa.), 9-6, were followed by a Barletta grand slam that extended the Griffin lead to 13-6. Later, Chestnut Hill College added two sixth-inning runs, 15-6, to provide sophomore pitcher Dan Rockenbach (Holland, Pa.) with plenty of run support in his second relief win (1-0) of the season.

In the leadoff spot, Meenan was 3-for-3 with four runs and a run-batted-in (RBI). Barletta (2-for-3, 3 runs, 4 RBI), Contoudis (2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBI), Dietz (2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI), Spratt (2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBI), and freshman right fielder Anthony Coombs (Bridgeton, N.J.) recorded two hits apiece. Rockenbach allowed one run on two hits, while striking out one in his four innings of relief work.

Chestnut Hill College continues their opening non-conference stretch on Wednesday, March 17, when they visit Kutztown University for a 3:00 p.m. contest.