MANCHESTER, N.H. – For the third time during the four-game series, Southern New Hampshire University, the 23^rd-ranked team in Division II, walked off Bentley University to keep its lengthy winning streak alive.

After the Falcons scored twice in the top of the ninth to forge a 5-5 tie, the Penmen picked up the game-winner on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning for a 6-5 victory in Northeast-10 Conference baseball on Penmen Field. It was the 18^th consecutive win for SNHU (29-8, 16-0 NE10).

Looking at a 5-3 deficit, Bentley took advantage of wildness from the Penmen bullpen in the ninth. Following a walk, a single by sophomore left fielder Stan DeMartinis III (Boca Raton, Fla./American Heritage HS) and another walk, Bentley drew within one on when graduate first baseman Liam Sears (Springfield, Mass./Pope Francis HS) scored on a wild pitch.

After another walk, DeMartinis III scored the equalizer when senior right fielder Tim Zupkus (Middlebury, Conn./Holy Cross HS) hit into a fielder's choice.

The first two SNHU hitters walked in the ninth, moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt and sophomore center fielder Harry Vargus Segura (Bronx, N.Y.) scored the game-winner on a two-out sac fly by junior DH Nick Schwartz (Massapequa, N.Y.).

Freshman lefty Matt Fernandez (Needham, Mass./Needham HS), who exited the game after walking the first batter of the ninth, was charged with the loss despite six strong innings of relief for the Falcons. He limited the prolific SNHU offense to just three hits while walking four and striking out three.

Down 4-0 after two, Bentley got on the board in the third when Zupkus doubled and scored on a single through the right side by senior catcher Brian Lindsay (New Durham, N.H./Kingswood Reg. HS),

DeMartinis III led off the fourth with his ninth home run of the season clearing the fence in left center. That's the most since by a Falcon since Max Troiani had nine in 2019.

Bentley made it a 5-3 game in the fifth. Senior third baseman Steve Rizzuto (Belmont, Mass./Belmont HS) led off with a double and scored in a single up the middle by junior second baseman Tyler Gonzalez (Windham, N.H./Lawrence Academy).

Bentley's 10 hits included two apiece by DeMartinis III and freshman shortstop Tommy Bolton (Tampa, Fla./Plant HS).

Schwartz led the Penmen offense with two hits, two runs and three RBI and junior left fielder Cam Caraher (Plymouth, N.H.) hit his fourth home run of the weekend.

Bentley (13-16, 5-11 NE10) will play a non-conference game at American International Wednesday.