MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Shaking off a stunning comeback from the Denison Big Red in the first game of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Crossover series, Allegheny sophomore pitcher Corey Keenan pitched a gem while a grand slam by freshman Tyler Wagner helped vault the Gators to a Saturday split at the Robertson Complex.  Denison plated six runs in the eighth to win game one, 7-6, before the Allegheny bats erupted for a 10-1 win in game two.

Wagner's game two grand slam was a key turning point in the nightcap, but senior Zach Gray was a consistent presence for the Gators at the plate, launching a home run in game one and game two, his third and fourth of the season, respectively, to keep the wheels moving on the Gator offense.  Junior Joe Killian went 2-for-3 with a pair of runs driven in during game two after driving in three runs in the first game, as senior Adam Bronson set the tone for Allegheny in game one with a two-run single in the first inning.

Keenan dominated the Big Red en route to his fourth win of the season, hurling 8.1 innings of five-hit ball, striking out a career-high eight while only walking one batter.  Freshman Chase Boyer contained Denison in his start despite the no decision, picking up a pair of earned runs over seven innings of work, striking out four.

A pair of unearned runs scored by Bronson and fellow senior Ben Murray in the second was answered by an unearned run by Denison in the third, but Allegheny erupted for eight unanswered runs to close out the contest and emerge from Saturday with the split.  Sophomore Jacob Shick singled to shortstop to lead off the inning, as a walk to Bronson was followed by Murray taking a hit by pitch to load the bases with no outs.  Wagner took the 2-1 count down the left field line, landing over the fence in fair territory to give the Gators a five-run advantage.

After Wagner's blast, sophomore Robert DiMaggio reached base on a walk, scoring after stealing second on a double by Gray to left center.  A single to left by Killian brought Gray home, giving the squad an 8-1 lead after the six-run fourth.

With two outs in the sixth, Gray took the first pitch of his at bat to left, ending a small scoring drought for the home team and providing the Gators with an eight-run lead heading into the final act of the nightcap.  Keenan continued to deal, shaking off a two out triple in the top of the seventh by retiring the side while leaving a Denison runner stranded in the eighth. 

Denison runners reached second and third with one out in the ninth, as sophomore Patrick Orr came out of the bullpen to get the final two outs to ensure the Gators entered Sunday with momentum.

The decisive win in the nightcap was a stark contrast to the improbable comeback by the Big Red in game one.  After watching Denison plate a run in the first, a two-run double to center by Bronson gave the Gators a 2-1 lead.  A home run by Gray in the sixth and a three-run double to left center by Killian provided the home team a 6-1 lead. 

However, Denison scored six runs on four hits in the top of the eighth, taking a 7-6 lead.  Freshman Chase Davis reached base to lead off the bottom of the ninth, but the Gators were unable to score senior pinch runner R.J. Baker, who advanced to scoring position after a sacrifice bunt by DiMaggio.

Game three will be streamed live on GatorsTV.com, with the winner advancing to Chillicothe, Ohio for the NCAC Tournament next weekend.  First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.