XML Box Score Grantham, PA - Messiah College fell behind early and could not make up the deficit in a 12-4 loss to Lebanon Valley. The Falcons dropped to 8-4 in the Commonwealth Conference, and also 10-10 overall.
Evan Young struggled to find command early as he walked two consecutive batters with one out in the first inning before relenting back-to-back run scoring singles. In the second inning he put the first three batters on base (hit-by-pitch, single, single) before his second hit-by-pitch of the inning forced in the Dutchmen's third run. John Griffitts relieved Young but two more runners crossed the plate as Lebanon Valley took a 5-0 lead after two innings.
Messiah fought back in the middle innings, with Ben Sollenberger's double putting Messiah on the board in the fourth. In the fifth Casey Ebersole (RBI single) and Derek Drake (two-run double) brought the Falcons within 5-4.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Lebanon Valley took back their lead and added more. Three more runs scored in the top of the sixth, the third of which was unearned due to one of the Falcons' three errors on the day. Eventually leading 9-4 in the eighth a two-run single up the middle by A. Woolley put Lebanon Valley up 11-4 en route to the 12-4 finish.
The Falcons collected 11 hits, three of which came from Derek Drake; Ebersole, David Sletta, and Jon Lapp each had two hits. Young took the loss in his first decision.
Messiah will have two days off before taking the field again when they host Elizabethtown College on Saturday for a double-header. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 noon.
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