FREDERICK, MD – The West Virginia Black Bears finally hit a rhythm this weekend as they powered their way over the Frederick Keys in a 7-4 victory at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium on Sunday afternoon. With the sweep of the Keys, the Black Bears improve to 5-10 this season. Hunter May and Savier Pinales led the Black Bears offensively, as May went two-for-five with two RBI doubles and Pinales blasted a two-run home run in his three-RBI game. 

The Black Bears scored first for the third time in three games as May doubled to bring home Ryan McCoy in the top of the third inning. The Pinales two-run home run extended the one-run lead to three in the top of the fourth inning. 

Starting pitcher Max Alba turned in a stellar performance on the mound. Alba shined in his debut, tossing four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out six Keys. West Virginia led 3-0 after four. 

The Black Bears offense did not stop there. Ryan Hernandez launched his first home run of the summer to put West Virginia in front, 4-0. 

Though Frederick got a run back in the bottom of the sixth inning off a David Castillo single, the Bears padded their lead further in the top of the seventh. May notched his second RBI double of the game followed by a Ryan Hernandez RBI single to make it a 6-1 Black Bear advantage.

Logan Sanders singled in Dylan Hoy for the Keys in the bottom of the seventh, but Pinales responded with his third RBI of the game in the top of the eighth. Despite the Keys driving in two in the bottom of the ninth, the late rally would not be enough for the Keys as West Virginia held on for the win.

The Black Bears return to Monongalia County Ballpark for a six-game home stand beginning Monday, June 20. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as the Black Bears celebrate West Virginia Day with alternate jerseys and post-game fireworks.