Nate Newman (2-for-2, three runs scored) and Kenny Durling (2-for-4, two RBIs) blasted back-to-back homers in the eighth inning as the Misericordia University baseball team grabbed an important 6-2 Freedom Conference victory over Wilkes, Monday at Anderson Field.

With a strong wind blowing in, Durling hit two other balls to the warning track- one in the first after Newman had scored and a double to the centerfield wall that scored Newman in the bottom of the fourth.

Sophomore Pat Clark improved to 2-1 with another good performance on the mound, allowing six hits and two runs in six innings of work. Freshman Matthew Karabin threw three no-hit innings in relief.

A resilient Cougar defense turned five double plays- including catching a baserunner in a pickle between third base and home, and an unassisted double play by first baseman Andrew Yasinski.

After Newman had scored from second on a throwing error in the first inning, MU grabbed another run in the second as Jamie Philippi crossed the plate thanks to a wild pitch. The senior had reached base with a double.

Wilkes' Angus Neary ripped a long double to center that scored two runs in the sixth. By then, Misericordia had stretched its lead to 4-0 thanks to runs from Durling and Newman in the fourth.

Wilkes still had the tying runs on with no out, but three flyouts preserved the 4-2 MU lead. Karabin was barely touched over the final three innings, allowing just two baserunners including one who reached after striking out.

The Cougars are 12-8 overall with the win but still just 3-6 in the Freedom Conference. With players like Philippi and Karabin returning from injuries however, MU can still be a factor in the league playoff race. Misericordia travels to Scranton on Wednesday before facing a crucial three-game series with first-place FDU-Florham this weekend.