Madison, NJ- Penn State Berks kicked off their season with a spirited effort against Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham but came up short, falling 13-10 in their first-ever meeting. The Nittany Lions showed grit with a six-run surge in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap after the Devils' explosive seven-run third.

The Blue & White jumped ahead early. Cade Baumgardner and Carson Brey set the tone with singles to open the top of the first inning. Andrew Seibert launched a ground rule RBI double that brought Baumgardner home. Bryce Kelly's groundout to third added another run, putting Berks up 2-0. Florham answered back with a run, closing the first inning at 2-1 in favor of Berks.

The third inning proved pivotal as the Devils capitalized on hits and miscues to rack up seven runs. Noah Fiorillo's two-RBI double and contributions from Christian Zamrok, Nicholas Colbert, and John Rolli pushed the deficit to 9-2. 

In the fifth, Berks rallied. Baumgardner walked and scored on Kelly's two-RBI single, while Michael DeRichie's three-RBI double brought the Nittany Lions within striking distance at 9-8. The Devils tacked on a run to end the inning at 10-8.

FDU-Florham extended their lead in the sixth with three more runs, thanks to a passed ball and a wild pitch, stretching it to 13-8.

The Nittany Lions clawed back in the seventh, capitalizing on an error to plate Kain Smith and Baumgardner, trimming the margin to 13-10. Despite their efforts, the final two innings were scoreless, sealing the 13-10 win for the Devils.

Baumgardner was a standout with three runs and two hits. Kelly drove in three with a hit, while DeRichie also notched three RBIs with a key double. Brey scored twice and snagged a stolen base, making his presence felt.

Justin Hefner got the start, working 1 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs, with two walks and a strikeout. John Mudri provided 2/3 of an inning in relief, giving up two earned runs and two walks. Amanjeet Turka pitched 2 2/3 innings, yielding eight hits and five earned runs. Tyler Gilbert tossed one inning, with three earned runs on two hits and a walk. Steven Sepko finished strong, hurling two scoreless innings with just one hit allowed.

WHO'S NEXT 
Berks heads to Media, Pennsylvania, to take on Penn State Brandywine on Tuesday, March 3, at 3:00 p.m.

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