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YORK, Pa. (Baseball) – The No. 2 Alvernia Crusaders scored five runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the No. 6 Misericordia Cougars Thursday at the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional at Santander Stadium. The Crusaders’ Kevin Becker-Menditto earned his 47th career save to break the NCAA Division III record.

Alvernia (34-12) trailed Misericordia (30-12) 3-1 heading into the top of the ninth inning. The Crusaders erupted with five runs on five hits to take a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth. The Crusaders’ Brok Martin, who was 0-for-4 coming to the plate with bases loaded and trailing 3-2, hit a bases-clearing triple to give his team a 5-3 lead. Alvernia added one more run for the 6-3 lead.

The Cougars were unable to find a baserunner in the bottom half of the inning with Menditto on the mound. The senior retired the side in order to earn the NCAA Division III career saves record of 47.

Misericordia ended the scoring drought in the bottom of the fourth inning with three runs on four hits to take a 3-0 lead.

Alvernia got on the board in the top of the sixth with 1 run on two hits, but strands three runners.

The Cougars’ Al Reda went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Steve Cuccio went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Misericordia will now play No. 1 Kean Friday in Game 10 at 1:15 p.m. in an elimination game.

Alvernia will now play No 4 Salisbury Friday in Game 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the winner’s bracket.