FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Haverford College baseball team (5-2) encountered its first setback of the spring break trip at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic on Monday, as Scranton (5-1) secured a 10-3 victory in a nine-inning contest at Terry Park.
Haverford took an early lead, with runs in the first two innings providing a cushion for starter Riley Grohowski. The Fords capitalized on an early opportunity, tagging Scranton starter Ryan Boyd for a run as back-to-back walks and a wild pitch set the stage for an RBI groundout from Kyle Beach in the first frame.
Grohowski delivered a scoreless frame in the bottom half, and the Haverford offense continued their momentum with a two-out rally in the second. Pranav Rane reached on an error, promptly stole second, and Mauro DeCillis walked, stealing into scoring position as well. Daniel Rosman then laced a single into right field, doubling the Fords' advantage to 2-0.
Grohowski maintained his strong start with scoreless frames in the second and third but encountered trouble in the fourth inning. John Zarnowski doubled with one out, and Jake Elston singled home a run, narrowing the Haverford lead to one. Vincent Napolitano then roped a double to plate Elston, tying the score at 2-2.
In the fifth, the Fords regained the lead against reliever Matt Roda. Jack Wallis singled, stole second, and with one out, Beach tapped a single to plate Wallis, giving Haverford a 3-2 lead.
However, a five-run sixth inning propelled the Royals into the lead. Conor Campbell led off with a double, and with one out, Jack Heineman plated Campbell with a double of his own. Elston then delivered a triple for another RBI. Wyatt Mattison entered in relief of Grohowski, but the Royals' lineup stayed hot with pinch hitter Pat Coyne delivering a two-run double, and Nick Reposa later adding a single for a 7-3 lead.
Haverford struggled offensively in the seventh and eighth innings, and Scranton capitalized by scoring three unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth, taking a 10-3 lead into the final frame. Logan Mason worked around a walk in the ninth to secure the win for Scranton.
Grohowski scattered seven hits in his 5.1 innings, striking out five. Jason Carpenter was a relief highlight for Scranton, securing the win with four strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched.
The Fords return to action on Tuesday with a nine-inning contest against Wisconsin Lutheran at 9 a.m.. Following a day off on Wednesday, they will face Wisconsin Lutheran again on Thursday at 9 a.m.