PRINCETON, N.J. - With gorgeous baseball weather finally rolling into the northeast, Penn (8-19-1, 4-5-1 Ivy) blew past Princeton in the series opener of the three-game road series, notching a commanding 7-2 victory Friday afternoon at Clarke Field. The Quakers' offense came alive two outs into the sixth frame, plating six runs off five different batters to lock up what would prove an insurmountable lead.

Penn 7, Princeton 2
WP: Gabe Kleiman (1-5)
LP: Ryan Smith (1-3)
SV: None

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Princeton offense found traction early in the second inning, scoring one to pick up the early lead. Despite the Tigers holding onto their advantage for a majority of the matchup, the Quakers managed to put together a brilliant sixth frame, knocking in six to grab a commanding 6-1 edge.

The festivities began with juniors Sean Phelan and Matt McGeagh, as the former reached on a two-out, four-pitch walk before the latter advanced him on a ground ball hit into shallow left field. One at-bat later, the true beginning of the rally began with senior Daniel Halevy, as the designated hitter yanked a pitch into right field to knot the score at one apiece. Four consecutive batters -- junior catcher Matt O'Neill, senior outfielder Andrew Murnane, sophomore outfielder Peter Matt and junior infielder Matt Tola -- took advantage of the sudden momentum, notching five RBIs to etch the Quakers' first lead of the day.

Princeton picked up just one run in response during the final four innings, scoring on a dropped ball error in shallow right field. Penn matched the Tigers in the ninth frame, tacking on an insurance run off the bat of freshman outfielder Eduardo Malinowski.

On the mound, senior Gabe Kleiman earned his first win of the season behind a five and two-thirds performance that included just four hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Sophomore RHP Dylan Mulvihill and freshman RHP Robby Cerulle each tossed one inning apiece in relief while junior LHP John Alan Kendrick managed the bump for a frame and one-third.

NEXT UP
The Quakers wrap up their three-game road series at Princeton with a Saturday doubleheader, first pitch set for 11:30 a.m.