DALLAS, Pa. – The Wilkes University baseball team used four home runs to take a 6-5 victory over the defending national champion Misericordia University Cougars at Tambur Field on Tuesday afternoon, extending their winning streak to 12 games.

Wilkes improves to 25-8 on the year, while Misericordia falls to 24-15.

The Colonels got the scoring started in the first inning, as Jack Mathis (Exeter PA/Wyoming Area) doubled down the left field line to score one and was brought home by Luke Spencer (Lehman, PA/Lake Lehman) in the next at bat to take a 2-0 lead.

Andres Cruz (Wayne, PA/Radnor) added another run to the Wilkes lead in the fourth inning with a home run to center field, his first career home run. Misericordia brought the score within one in their half of the inning, scoring two runs on a fielding error.

The Colonels restored their three-run advantage in the sixth inning as Spencer and Zack Luksic (Shavertown, PA/Dallas) hit back-to-back home runs to left center field, giving the visitors a 5-2 lead. In the bottom of the frame, Misericordia added a home run of their own to cut the lead to 5-3.

Cruz followed up his first career homer with his second in the ninth inning, another solo shot this time to right center field to take a 6-3 lead. In the bottom of the ninth, the Cougars blasted a two-run home run to bring them within one run, but the Colonel defense held strong and sealed the victory.

Caleb Graham (Exeter, PA/Wyoming Area) (2-1) was given the win on the mound for Wilkes, going seven innings allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits. Zachary Lloyd (Scranton, PA/West Scranton) pitched the final two innings and picked up his first save of the season allowing two runs on three hits.

At the plate, Cruz led the way going 3-4 with two RBIs. Luksic also went 3-4 with one RBI.

Evan Wittig (3-2) was given the decision, pitching the first inning allowing two runs on five hits. Jared Hoffman led the team at the plate as one of three players to go 2-4 but tallying two RBIs.

The Colonels return to action tomorrow (Wednesday) as they travel to face Lycoming College in Landmark Conference competition. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.