A two-run fifth inning gave the Wilmington University baseball team the lead for good as it defeated Kutztown, 9-2, in the final regular season home game on Thursday afternoon at Wilson Field.

The Golden Bears (17-19) took an early 2-0 lead through the top of the third inning, but then it was all Wildcats (28-9) as they scored a single run in the bottom of the third, two more in the bottom of the fifth, and broke it open with a six run sixth inning. The Wildcats, ranked No. 27 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Division II Poll, collected 15 hits on the afternoon, bringing their five-game total to 67 hits.

Starting pitcher Matt Frost got through a difficult first inning, leaving the bases loaded while only giving up one run. A leadoff walk in the top of the third came around to score on a sacrifice fly for the Golden Bears but then Frost settled in to get through five strong innings.

Josh Swirchak, who had a 21-game hitting streak snapped yesterday at USciences after being pulled in the fourth inning, started another hitting streak with a double over the third base bag. Frank Samluk came around to score to put the Wildcats on the board.

Samluk then led off the fifth with a single before Christian Adorno tripled to the gap in right center, chasing Samluk home to tie the game 2-2. Swirchak followed with a grounder to short with the infield back, allowing Adorno to come home for their first lead of the game.

With the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, Adorno singled into left field, bringing two runs home to give the Wildcats some breathing room. Swirchak followed with a triple to right center, clearing the bases for the 7-2 lead. Sam Goines got in on the action as well, doubling to left center to score Swirchak. Goines then stole third and came home for the Wildcats' final run of the game as the throw went into left field.

Peter Monahan left two runners on base in the seventh before Kyle Menchaca left the bases loaded in the eighth, both without allowing a run. Tyler Fries gave up a two-out hit but ended the game with a strikeout to give the Wildcats their third straight victory.

Samluk went 4-for-5 with three runs scored from atop the Wildcat lineup while Adorno finished 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Swirchak and Goines added two hits a piece for the Wildcats, with Swirchak bringing in a team high four RBI.

Frost picked up his first collegiate career win in five innings of work, striking out three batters. He allowed two runs on two hits while working around two walks as well.

The Wildcats take to the road for another Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference doubleheader on Friday, as they make up games against Concordia. The first pitch of the double dip is scheduled for 1 p.m.