(box score)
Junior Dan Sieracki (Cherry Hill, NJ) recorded his sixth straight multiple-hit game, finishing with two hits, including a solo home run in the first inning that gave Widener all the offense it would need in a 3-0 Commonwealth Conference win over Arcadia in Chester, PA.
After two quick outs to begin the bottom of the first, Sieracki lifted his opposite-field long ball down the right field line to give Widener a 1-0 lead. Freshman Michael Riverso (Philadelphia, PA) made it 3-0 in the second on a two-run single through the right side. Senior Tom DeAngelis (Pottstown, PA) began the inning with a leadoff triple.
Seniors Richard Brovero (Waldwick, NJ) and Kevin Culbert (Brookhaven, PA) combined for the shutout. Brovero earned the win, allowing no hits in a scoreless first in his first start since receiving a medical hardship last season. He improved to 1-0 on the season and 4-1 in his career. After recording six saves as a closer during his freshman campaign in 2008, Culbert earned his first save since that season, striking out seven and allowing just two hits over the final eight innings.
Riverso also finished with two hits for the Pride (22-13, 9-7 CC). Sieracki has hit .600 (15-for-25) over the last six contests.
Aaron Benusis pitched a complete game for the Knights (3-27, 1-14), striking out nine over eight innings. He allowed just four hits in six scoreless innings after the second. Jerry Smith doubled for Arcadia, and Brandon Martin improved to 28-for-29 in stolen base attempts.
With the win, Widener clinches a spot in next week's Commonwealth Conference tournament that begins Thursday in West Lawn, PA.
Widener on Saturday closes out the regular-season slate as it travels to Glenside, PA for a doubleheader with Arcadia at noon.
