MANCHESTER, N.H. – After Bentley University came from three runs down to tie the game, Southern New Hampshire University used a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to best the Falcons, 9-6, and remain unbeaten in Northeast-10 Conference baseball Friday afternoon at Penmen Field.

SNHU improved to 26-18 overall, including a perfect 13-0 in conference action. Bentley dropped to .500 overall (13-13) and 5-8 NE10.

Bentley's comeback began in the eighth with the Falcons trailing 6-3. Sophomore left fielder Stan DeMartinis III (Boca Raton, Fla./American Heritage HS) led off with a single and senior third baseman Steve Rizzuto (Belmont, Mass./Belmont HS) followed with a home run to left center.

In the ninth, with two outs and runners on first and second, DeMartinis III singled up the middle. That plated graduate DH Liam Sears (Springfield, Mass./Pope Francis HS) with the game tying run.

SNHU had their 3-4-5 hitters coming up in the bottom of the inning, and unfortunately for Falcon followers, they delivered. Junior first baseman Mike LaRocca (Vero Beach, Fla.) led off with a double, junior catcher Nick Schwartz (Massapequa, N.Y.) was intentionally walked and junior left fielder Cam Caraher (Plymouth, Mass.) ended things with his second home run of the afternoon, this one clearing the right field fence. His day included three hits, three runs scored, four RBI and ten total bases.

Bentley took a 3-1 lead with three runs in the top of the second. Senior catcher Brian Lindsey (New Durham, N.H./Kingswood Regional HS) and freshman shortstop Tommy Bolton (Tampa, Fla./Plant HS) each drew bases loaded walks and Sears had a bases-loaded single.

The Penmen quickly tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the second, took the lead with one in the third and picked up single runs in the fifth and seventh to go up 6-3.

Bentley's seven hits included two apiece from DeMartinis III and Rizzuto. SNHU totaled 15 hits, with four of the first five hitters in the lineup all having three apiece.

The four-game series continues with a noon doubleheader on Saturday and concludes with a 1 pm game on Sunday. All games will be streamed on NE10 NOW.