WALTHAM, Mass. – Graduate centerfielder Idelson Taveras (Lawrence) scored four times and sophomore infielders Danniel Rivera (New Britain, Conn.) and Christian Mercedes (Providence, R.I.) each had three runs scored as Southern New Hampshire University downed Bentley University, 18-0, in Northeast-10 Conference baseball Thursday afternoon at DeFelice Field.

Southern New Hampshire, the 12th-ranked team in Division II, improved to 25-7 overall and 11-2 conference. Bentley, which had won six of its previous seven, dropped to 11-19 overall and 6-9 NE10.

After a scoreless first inning, SNHU jumped on top with five runs in the second and four in the third. The Penmen added to their total with a single run in the fifth, six in the seventh and two in the eighth while amassing 21 hits off five Falcon hurlers.

Rivera, Mercedes and sophomore second baseman Cam Caraher (Plymouth) each had three hits for the Penmen, and freshman Anthony Poole (South Portland, Maine) had four RBI.

Benefitting from having 12 of his teammates record at least one hit was senior right hander Angus McCloskey (Farmingdale, N.Y.). He pitched the first six innings, struck out seven and allowed only two hits.

Bentley's two scoring opportunities came in the first and ninth innings. The Falcons had the bases loaded with two out in the first and runners on second and third with one out in the ninth. In between those two innings, SNHU pitching allowed only one base runner.

Bentley's three hits included the first career hit by freshman Nick Pappas (Boston/Boston Latin School), a ninth-inning double.

The series will continue with a single game Friday and a doubleheader Saturday. All three will be played on DeFelice Field.