Brendan Gray's walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 11th extended the Misericordia University baseball team's win streak to six as the Cougars defeated St. John's (MN), 4-3, Tuesday in Port Charlotte, Florida.
 
Steve Rinda allowed just four hits over six innings and struck out six in his first career start. Justin Calvarese provided five scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits and striking out four, to earn the win.
 
Gray drove in two on two hits and Brady Madden scored two runs. Garrett McIlhenney reached base four times, scored a run and added an RBI while Brock Bollinger stole two bases.
 
The Cougars got their first three batters on base to start the ballgame with McIlhenney eventually scoring on a balk, but a double play later ended their bases-loaded opportunity.
 
MU loaded the bases again in the second but failed plate a runner.
 
Rinda struck out four of the first 10 hitters he faced and did not allow a hit until the fourth. But, a Johnnies rally in the top of the fourth gave them a 3-1 lead.
 
McIlhenney made a catch against the left field wall to end the fifth inning with a Johnnie in scoring position.
 
After a five-inning scoring drought for the Cougars, Gray singled up the middle to plate Madden to get MU within one.
 
Bollinger reached base to lead off the eighth and stole second and third base. McIlhenny laid a bunt down the third baseline and Bollinger beat the play at the plate to tie the game.
 
Saint John's had two on and two out in the top of the ninth, but Madden's diving catch in the infield end the threat.
 
Misericordia almost walked it off in the bottom of the 10th after Jason Sanfilippo singled to center, but a dart from the Johnnies center fielder beat Gabe Bunn at the plate to keep the game tied.
 
In the next inning, Madden and Derrick Vosburg reached base and Gray's single to center plated Madden for the walk-off win.
 
MU will play Heidelberg, Wednesday at 10:00 am in Port Charlotte.