Union, NJ – Kean University scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh snapping a 1-1 tie as the Cougars slipped past Montclair State 3-1 at Jim Hynes Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Tyler Hopman went the distance scattering seven hits and striking out five as Kean (18-10, 4-3 NJAC) took the first game of the home-and-home between the teams. The back end of the short set is scheduled for Friday, April 14 at Yogi Berra Stadium beginning at 1:00 pm.

RYAN THIEME had two hits for the Red Hawks, who fell to 8-15 overall, 2-5 in conference play.

Scoreless into the sixth, the Cougars pushed across a run. Frank LoGuidice singled with one out, went to second on a wild pitch and third on another single. Brian Cole lofted a sacrifice fly for the game's first run.

Montclair State answered in the top of the seventh. MICHAEL MUENTENER reached on an error to open the inning and moved to second on a ground out. After a strikeout, RYAN LONG knocked one back through the middle tying the game at 1-1.

The Cougars got the run back plus another in their half of the seventh. A one-out error and walk put the runners at first and second. Mike Fidanza singled to give Kean the lead. LoGuidice followed with another base hit making the score 3-1.

Hopman made that lead hold up as he retired six of the final seven batters he faced to up his record to 5-2. MICHAEL MANFRA took the loss for MSU despite a quality start. Manfra (1-4) allowed five hits through 6 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking two.