Front Royal, VA- The Crusaders took on the Allegany College of Maryland Trojans in a thrilling game this past Thursday, April 28. After a back-and-forth game the Crusaders came out victorious with the 9-8 win.

The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead, as they were able to capitalize on the Trojans wild pitching with a 4 run first inning. John Skuba (Freshman/Hazelton, PA) had a wonderful start for the Crusaders, allowing only 2 runs over the first four innings. However, in the fifth inning the error bug struck the Crusaders, which led to the Trojans scoring 5 runs, giving them the 7-4 lead. Frank Scarchilli (Senior/Sterling Heights, MI) came in in relief of Skuba and shut down the Trojans.

Going into the bottom of the sixth, the Crusaders trailed 8-4. However, the bottom of the lineup got things rolling with a leadoff walk followed by back-to-back singles. Thomas Dunphy (Senior/Four Oaks, NC) stepped into the box with the bases loaded and smoked a line drive double over the left fielder, scoring 2.  Thomas Sullivan (Sophomore/Omaha, NE) followed Dunphy's lead as he crushed a double off the wall in right to tie the game at 8 apiece. The Crusaders scraped 1 run across in the bottom of the seventh to take the 9-8 lead. Scarchilli pitched lights out, allowing only one baserunner through the final three innings, securing the 9-8 Crusader win.

The Crusaders' come from behind was led by several players in particular. Dunphy finished the game 1-2, with 2 RBIs, 3 walks and 2 runs. Scarchilli pitched an outstanding game, allowing 0 ER over five innings of work.

UP NEXT: The Crusaders take on the Central Penn Knights on Saturday, 4/30 at 12 noon and 2pm