Union, N.J. (2/23/22) – In the battle of the Cougars it was Kean University who came out on top, edging Misericordia University by the final of 2-1 on Wednesday afternoon.
It was a classic pitchers' duel on a mild, spring-like afternoon as neither team was able to scratch across a run until the seventh inning. MU got on the board first with a two out single from Jason Sanfilippo, scoring Branden Gray who walked to get on earlier in the frame. Starter Justin Diefenbach was able to work out of any further trouble and let his offense help him out in the bottom of the eighth.
In the decisive inning, Kyle Adorno and Brett Hilsheimer both singled to put runners on first and second with no outs. A fielder's choice set up runners on the corners with one out and Timothy Huxen tied things up with a single to right. An errant throw allowed Philip Mahlik to also come around and score for what would be the go-ahead and winning run.
Diefenbach battled and got two more outs in the top of the ninth but a single and a runner reaching on a strikeout/wild pitch set up a call to the bullpen. Daniel Keenan earned his second save with a groundout for the final out and Kean's sixth win to open up the season.
Diefenbach (2-0) allowed one run and scattered six hits (all singles) in eight and two thirds innings of work. Offensively, Josh Jackson led all players with a 3-for-4 day, including a double. Hilsheimer was 2-for-3 with a double.
For Misericordia, Sanfilippo was 2-for-4. On the mound, starter Isaac Snyder received a no-decision after tossing five inning of shutout ball with five hits and seven strikeouts.
Kean returns to action on Saturday when they host Haverford College at 11:30 a.m.
