SCRANTON, Pa. – Senior lefty Jason Carpenter (Scranton, Pa./Scranton) struck out a career-high five over a career-long 3 2/3 IP and The University of Scranton baseball team (19-7, 10-5 Landmark) held on for a 5-4 win over the Wilkes Colonels (19-8, 10-6 Landmark) on Tuesday at Volpe Field in Scranton.

Carpenter came on in relief of senior righty Thomas Plunkett (Mamaroneck, N.Y./Mamaroneck) to protect a 5-4 lead with one out in the sixth and retired all 11 batters that he faced to earn the save. The five strikeouts surpassed his previous career-high of four that had been set on two occasions.

Plunkett recorded his third victory of the season after allowing four runs on seven hits while fanning five in 5 1/3 IP.

The Royals got on the board with a four-run second inning as a single, fielder's choice and walk loaded the bases with one away which set the stage for a two-run single from junior TJ Pleban (Sugarloaf, Pa./Hazleton Area). Sophomore Aidan Casey (Silver Beach, N.J./Don Bosco Prep) immediately followed with a two-run single of his own that made it a 4-0 game for the time being.

Scranton tacked on a run in the fourth as sophomore Vincent Napolitano (Merrick, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) drew a leadoff walk, advanced to third on a single and scored on Pleban's sac fly which extended the lead to 5-0.

Wilkes was able to battle back with four in the sixth inning to trim the deficit to a run at 5-4 after a three-run homer off the bat of Chase Vrabel.

Pleban matched his season-high with three RBI in the victory.

The Royals will hit the road to face Juniata in a Landmark Conference series this weekend with first pitch of game one in Saturday's doubleheader slated for 12 p.m.

--ROYALS--