Friday's series-opening game against Alvernia started well-enough. The Eastern baseball team scored four first inning runs and held a 6-5 lead after three innings. The game unraveled when the visitors used a bases-clearing triple to spark a  six-run fourth inning. On the heels of their big fourth inning, the Crusaders ran away to a 22-8 win.

Alvernia pounded out 24 hits, and scored at last one run in eight of nine innings. Davis Murray and the rest of the Eastern hitters put together eight runs on ten hits, but the Eagles' bats could not keep pace. Murray finished the day 3-4 with three RBI.

Brian Miller, who will get a start on the mound tomorrow, went 2-4 with a pair of RBI at first base. Jeff Knosp earned the win for the Crusaders in relief. Kenny Long took the loss for the Eagles.

The two teams will, weather permitting, conclude their series in Reading tomorrow. The loss drops the Eagles to 5-5 in PAC play, while the Crusaders improve to 10-3 in the league and hold the inside track on the top seed in the playoffs. Tomorrow's doubleheader is slated for a noon start.

Box Score