WALTHAM, Mass. – No. 14 Southern New Hampshire University jumped out to a 5-0 lead en route to a 6-3 Northeast-10 baseball victory over Bentley University at DeFelice Field Friday afternoon.  The Penmen, who have won seven out of their last eight, upped their record to 17-5 and 5-1 in the NE-10, while the Falcons, who had won five straight, are now 6-8 and 2-1 the league.

SNHU got a complete-game effort on the mound from senior Derrick Sylvester (Franklin, N.H.), who scattered eight hits and allowed three runs while striking out seven.  He improved to 4-1 on the season.

The Penmen took a 1-0 lead in the third inning.  Manny Cruz (Wolcott, Conn.) tripled with one out, then scored on a groundout by Riley Palmer (Goffstown, N.H.).  Southern New Hampshire tacked on two more runs in the fourth as Tyler Fortanascio (Oradell, N.J.) doubled to lead off the frame and scored when Cruz worked a bases-loaded walk.  One batter later, an Al Stanton (Sandwich, Mass.) single scored Jamie Wollerman (Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.).

Southern New Hampshire scored two more times in the eighth to build a 5-0 lead.  Fortanascio reached on a fielders' choice and scored following a single to right field that was misplayed by Falcon right fielder Tom Nagy.  Anthony Aceto (North Providence. R.I.) knocked in the fifth run when his sac fly plated Wollerman.

Bentley scored got on the board in the bottom of the eighth to make it 5-1, but in the top of the ninth, Palmer was hit by a pitch with one away and after stealing second, scored on a single by Alejandro Diaz (Old Bridge, N.J.).

Stanton (left) led SNHU with two hits on the afternoon as both teams had eight for the game.  Palmer saw a nine-game hit streak snapped as he was 0-4.

SNHU and Bentley will meet Saturday for a doubleheader at DeFelice Field.  Due to the forecast of inclement weather later in the day, the twinbill has been moved up to a 10:00 am start.

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