Radnor, Pa. - (5/6/2023) - Gwynedd Mercy University (19-18, 6-12) completed their first season under Head Coach Joe Brooks with a .500-plus record as they defeated Cabrini University (24-14, 12-6) in the final game of today's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) doubleheader by a 4-2 final. The Cavaliers won the opener by a 9-3 spread. Sophomore pitcher/designated hitter
Cooper Root (Runnemede, N.J.) was stellar in his fourth win (4-1), holding the home team to two runs on six hits and two walk, while striking out two in seven innings.
Griffin Highlights
Game 1
- Gwynedd Mercy University started the afternoon well with two runs in the first inning; a leadoff walk to senior shortstop Jake Martell (Levittown, Pa.) was followed by a one-out single to left field from freshman right fielder Sam Junker (Ambler, Pa.), and a rocket down the left field line from graduate designated hitter/pitcher Billy Collins (Hatfield, Pa.) (1-0). The Griffins scored a second run on a grounder to short from senior catcher Nick Price (Levittown, Pa.) (2-0).
- Junker gave Gwynedd Mercy University a 3-0 edge with a third-inningsacrifice fly (3-0).
- Collins was 3-for-4 with his run-scoring single int he first inning, a single through the left side int he third, and a double to center in the fifth. He also pitched the final two outs of the contest for the Griffins.
- Martell (2-for-3, BB, 2R) and Junker (2-for-3, R, RBI) both recorded two hits in the contest.
Game 2
- Gwynedd Mercy University was first on the scoreboard again with two runs in the second inning; a leadoff walk to Collins, a double to left center from Price, and a sacrifice fly from graduate second baseman Rob Bailey (Abington, Pa.) scored the Griffins first run (1-0). The second crossed on a single up the middle from freshman center fielder Chris Nodeland (Hamilton, N.J.) (2-0).
- The Griffins added to their advantage in the sixth inning thanks to a one-out double from graduate left fielder Jack Jamison (Fort Washington, Pa.) and Nodeland's first collegiate homerun.
- The cushion was enough to afford Root's victory and it was secured by a two-inning save (5) from junior Mitchell Bramsway (Temecula, Calif.). Bramsway allowed two hits and struck out four.
Gwynedd Mercy University finishes their 2023 season at 19-18 overall and 6-12 in AEC play.