DALLAS, PA – Trailing 4-0 host Misericordia University scored all eight of its runs over the sixth and seventh innings to post an 8-5 MAC Freedom victory over visiting Wilkes University Friday afternoon at Tambur Field in the opening game of the season series between the two teams.
 
Wilkes falls to 5-8 overall and 2-2 in MAC Freedom play following the loss. Misericordia improved to 9-3 overall and 1-0 in conference games.
 
The teams went scoreless through three innings before the Colonels put two on the board in the top of the fourth. Vincent Uzzi (Shoreham, NY/Shoreham-Wading River) singled to left field with one out to start the rally. Jarret Clymer (Bethlehem, PA/Freedom) followed with a double down the left field line moving Uzzi to third. Wilkes' next batter Nicholas Capozzi (Syracuse, NY/Christian Brothers Academy) walked to load the bases. From there Matt Reinert (Telford, PA/Souderton) continued his hot bat connecting on a two-run single up the middle scoring Uzzi and Clymer to give Wilkes a 2-0 lead.
 
Wilkes added to its advantage in the top of the sixth using the same part of the lineup to start the frame. Clymer singled up the middle to lead things off before Capozzi added a single to right field moving runners to first and second. After a Reinert fly out, Tyler Walther (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) came up with the big hit singling home Clymer and Capozzi with a shot up the middle. The Colonels led 4-0 heading into the bottom half of the sixth.
 
Misericordia was stifled at the plate thanks to the fine pitching of Wilkes starter Kyle Pokrinchak (Nanticoke, PA/Nanticoke ) until the sixth inning where the hosts used two RBI hits, a sacrifice fly and a bases-loaded walk to plate five runs and take a 5-4 lead. The Cougars added to the lead in the bottom of the seventh using an RBI single up the middle and another two-run base hit through the left side to plate three more runs.
 
Wilkes tried for a late comeback attempt in its last at-bats. Jack Fischer (River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley) singled with one out before advancing to second after Joe Champi (Dupont, PA/Pittston) drew a walk. Uzzi collected his second hit of the contest plating Fischer on a single to left field to cut the Misericordia advantage to 8-5. Clymer would strike out swinging and Capozzi grounded out to second base to end the Colonel chance for a complete comeback.
 
Uzzi and Clymer led Wilkes offensively with two hits each while Walther and Reinert combined for four RBI's and two two-run singles.
 
Pokrinchak was excellent through five innings allowing four hits and four runs, all four coming in the 5-run sixth inning for Misericordia. Matthew Konikow (Mahwah, NJ/Mahwah) entered in relief pitching the final three innings allowing four hits and four runs.
 
The teams will complete the season series tomorrow (Saturday) with a doubleheader scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Artillery Park.