SALISBURY, Md. – Stevenson baseball (9-19) put up a determined effort against the No. 5 Salisbury University Sea Gulls (24-6) on Wednesday afternoon. Although ending short, the final score was 12-7.
 
Following a first-inning hit by pitch, sophomore center fielder Graham Sears secured the seventh home run this season for the Mustangs in the top of the third.
 
In the top of the fourth inning, a walk by sophomore third baseman Noah Joly on loaded bases allowed first-year right fielder Christopher Manco, who singled earlier, to return home. A double base hit from sophomore left fielder Kaige Garrity also occurred in the inning. A single from first-year shortstop Connor Wilkerson secured the third run for the Mustangs as Garrity reached home. The final run in the inning resulted in a single from junior second baseman Brandon Perillo, allowing junior catcher Matt Perri to score.
 
A second homer for the Mustangs from Perri tied the game 5-5 in the top of the sixth. In the top of the seventh, a double from Manco allowed junior designated hitter Dalton Reinhart and sophomore pinch runner Cory Hatcher to return home.
 
Although securing a lead once again, the Sea Gulls picked up pace, tying 7-7 and adding five more to result in the final 12-7 score.
 
Despite the loss, Manco secured two RBI on three hits and a run with five at-bats. Perillo picked up an RBI with two hits on five at-bats. At pitching, sophomore Brendan Phillips accepted the loss against five hits, eight at-bats and a walk. Junior Caden Dail, appearing on the mound for two thirds of an inning, struck out two.
 
The Mustangs return home and to conference play as they take on the receiving votes Messiah University Falcons on Friday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. at East Campus.