READING, Pa. - A strong outing from Sean Cottrell on the bump and a clutch two-run triple from David Hunsberger proved to the difference as Eastern Baseball defeated Albright 3-2 on Friday evening. For the Eagles, it was their first MAC Commonwealth victory of the season.

Cottrell (1-1) kept the Albright lineup in check through seven stout frames of work. The Glassboro, N.J. native struck out five Lions and allowed just two runs on three hits. Additionally, the junior induced seven flyouts and nine groundouts to secure his first win of 2023. His command was evident throughout, and his consistency in throwing first-pitch strikes never allowed Albright to get into any sort of rhythm.

Hunsberger started the game by reaching first on a hit by pitch, and Evan Barks followed with an infield single. With runners on second and third with one out, Cottrell helped his own cause with a sacrifice fly to right field to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

"Sean on the mound, and the first RBI, really set the tone for the game," Eastern Head Coach Scott Renauro said. "We have been harping on limiting the big inning, and he battled and got us through seven with a lead."

The score remained 1-0 over the next five innings as Cottrell and Albright starter Lucas Williams kept both offenses grounded. Cottrell was perfect through 5.2 innings before giving up his first hit, a single to left field, with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

With the Eagles clinging to a one-run advantage, Hunsberger came through with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Griffin Falco began the rally with a double, and Connor Schilling followed with a walk. After Schilling stole second, and after a strong battle with Williams, Hunsberger roped a two-run triple to right field to score both runners and increase Eastern's lead to 3-0.

"Dave has really been swinging it in practice recently and has been seeing the ball really well. Getting him up with men on base was something we knew we had to do," Renauro said. "After a great at-bat working the count, he was able to get the big hit of the game for us."

The Lions (2-12, 0-7) cut the lead to one on a two-run blast from Roman Berretta in the home half of the seventh, but Cottrell was able to collect to collect three straight out afterwards to keep the lead intact.

Gavin Mikulski entered the game in the eighth and pitched two scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and inducing four groundouts to earn the save. For Mikulski, it was his first collegiate save.

With the inclement weather, Eastern's (3-15, 1-6) doubleheader with Albright at The Yard has been moved to Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.