BOSTON, Mass. - Western New England College stayed alive in the Great Northeast Athletic (GNAC) Tournament with an 8-7 victory over Johnson & Wales University Sunday at Boston English High School in Jamaica Plain.

Senior shortstop Justin McGee (Wilbraham, MA) had three hits, a walk, run, and two runs-batted-in to lead the 13-hit attack. Senior left-fielder Chris Mahoney (Yorkville, NY) also had three hits and scored a run. Freshman designated hitter Garrison Ward (Wyckoff, NJ) contributed two hits, including a double, walk, and two runs. Sophomore third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) added two hits and a run.

Trailing 5-4 in the sixth, McGee walked with the bases loaded and senior center-fielder Jeff Maurutis (Milford, CT) followed with a two-run single to give the Golden Bears the lead for good.

Johnson & Wales made things close by scoring two runs in the eighth, but junior Jason Connelly (Scituate, MA) gained the save with two scoreless innings of relief allowing only two hits while striking out four and walking one. The Wildcats managed to put runners on first and second with two outs in the ninth, but Connelly ended the game with a strikeout.

Sophomore Eric Blanchard (Worcester, MA), the second of three pitchers, took the win to raise his record to 4-0.

Western New England College (28-6) now advances to the championship round in the next game this afternoon against Suffolk.