EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. – Four runs in the sixth and ninth innings lifted the visiting Ithaca College Bombers to a non-conference victory over the Wilkes University baseball team Tuesday evening, defeating the Colonels 11-6 in a back-and-forth contest at Bruggeworth Field.

Wilkes falls to 3-5 overall, while Ithaca improves to 4-2.

Ithaca scored the first run of the day in the first inning on a caught stealing at second base. Wilkes took their first lead of the day in the bottom of the first as Devin Markert (Pittston, PA/Pittston Area) reached on a throwing error, allowing both Jack Mathis (Exeter PA/Wyoming Area) and Andres Cruz (Wayne, PA/Radnor) to reach home.

The Bombers tied the game again in the second inning with a single up the middle, but Wilkes responded again in the third as Mathis reached on a bunt down the third base line, with Nathan Loch (Effort, PA/Pleasant Valley) scoring as the throw to first went over the head of the Bomber first baseman.

Wilkes held the lead until the fifth inning, where Ithaca tied it once more with another single up the middle, and caught a Bomber stealing to get out of the half inning. In their half of the fifth, the Colonels restored the two-run advantage with another Ithaca throwing error and a Cruz single to center that made it a 5-3 ballgame.

Ithaca took the lead for good in the sixth with a four-run frame and added four more in the ninth to seal the 11-6 win. Wilkes scored once more in the bottom of the sixth as Loch drove home Jacob Cambria (Elysburg, PA/Southern Columbia) with a single to center field.

Tyler Ansell (Knoxville, TN/South Doyle) started on the mound for the Colonels and pitched five strong innings allowing three runs (all earned) with five strikeouts. Ethan Grodack (Lake Ariel, PA/Western Wayne) (1-1) was given the decision in relief, allowing the four runs in the sixth. At the plate, Loch and Cruz led the team with two hits each, while Mathis drew three walks to reach base on all four of his plate appearances.

Nolan Kelleher led Ithaca at the plate going 3-3 on the day with a walk. Richard Zangara (1-1) earned the win pitching two innings and allowing just two hits.

Wilkes returns to action this weekend as they open Landmark Conference play with a weekend series at Susquehanna University. First pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.