Courtesy of the Albany Herald

ALBANY — JP Bernard needed just 82 pitches to help Albany State jump start its doubleheader against Paine College Saturday afternoon at Hamp Smith Stadium.

Ryan Latner and the Rams' offense did the rest. Latner went 3-for-3 with a double and helped Albany State to a 4-2 victory in the first game of an SIAC doubleheader.

Then, the Rams overcame a one-run deficit in the second game, scoring four runs in the fifth inning to cruise to a 6-2 victory and a sweep.

Albany State (27-15, 19-0 SIAC) will go for its 20th conference victory this afternoon when they meet Paine in the SIAC finale at 1 p.m.

Joseph Virgo's pinch-hit double in the fifth inning helped ASU overcome a 2-1 deficit.

Andrew Bacon earned the victory in the second game to improve to 7-3 on the season, while Theo Tramontana earned the save.

The Rams made the most of their six hits in Game 2.

Bernard sparkled in the first contest, allowing just three hits to run his record to 7-3.