Box Score (PDF)

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – A three-run first set the tone and the St. Bonaventure baseball team never looked back on the way to an 8-3 win over Saint Joseph's Friday at a cold and cloudy Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field.

The Bonnies (3-11, 2-3 A-10) jumped in front early as Garrett Boldt led off the home half of the first with a single up the middle, moving to second on another single off the first baseman's glove from Brendyn Stillman. Tyler Kelder then delivered with a double to center, plating both Boldt and Stillman for the game's first runs. One out later, Branden Myers drilled a hit to center to make it a three-run lead.

Bona got another run in the second off a fielding error for a 4-0 edge.

Saint Joseph's (9-7, 4-1), which had swept a four-game series with UMass last weekend to begin conference play undefeated, got within a run after scoring one in the third and two more in the fourth. The tying and leading runs were aboard before a liner to left ended the threat.

St. Bonaventure got the insurance it was seeking in the sixth as Myers, Berger and Kevin Higgins all had RBIs in a three-run inning.

That would be enough for the Bona pitching which was strong in the series-opener. Liam Devine picked up his second consecutive conference win after working five innings, striking out six and allowing only two warned runs. Kyle Caringi was then outstanding in relief, earning a rare four-inning save as he scattered four hits, did not allow a run or a walk and fanned four.

Hawks catcher Andrew Cossetti drove in two runs for the visitors and starter Ian McCole (1-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing five runs in 5.1 innings.

The two teams are set for doubleheader action Saturday at Handler Park beginning at noon. Both games are scheduled for seven innings.