PEMBROKE, N.C. - Despite a three-run home run from junior Dylan Koch (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Pace University), the Mercy University Baseball Team dropped a 13-9 decision at RV UNC Pembroke on Tuesday afternoon at Sammy Cox Field.

The Mavericks (3-2) fall to the Braves (8-1) for the third straight year.

The Braves took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two hits.

UNC Pembroke tacked on a run in the second inning to build a 3-0 lead. Mercy responded with four runs in the third inning to take a 4-3 lead. Graduate student Connor Ruland (Islip, N.Y./Islip) singled and freshman Aydan Wayne (Howard Beach, N.Y./Channel View) doubled to put runners on second and third. Senior Kolongi Goins (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./FDR) then singled, scoring Ruland to make it 3-1. Koch then hit a three-run home run down the left field line to put the Mavericks ahead, 4-3.

The Braves recorded three runs in the bottom of the third on two hits to retake the lead at 6-4. Mercy scored two runs in the fourth inning to tie the game at 6-6. Sophomore Geneo Savoca (Albany, N.Y./University at Albany), Ruland and Wayne singled to load the bases. Junior Nevin Scaperotti (Stormville, N.Y./Carmel) later singled home Ruland and Wayne to tie the game. UNC Pembroke took the lead back with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, taking a 9-6 lead.

The Mavericks got two runs back in the top of the fifth to make it 9-8. Senior David Bernard Jr. (Schenectady, N.Y./Herkimer CC) walked to lead off the inning and scored after senior John Nisco (Tarrytown, N.Y./Sleepy Hollow) singled and advanced on a fielding error by the right fielder. Ruland later singled Nisco to make it 9-8.

UNC Pembroke scored two runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 13-8 lead.

Mercy scored a run in the top of the ninth to make it 13-9. Savoca led off the inning with a hit by pitch and later scored after Koch reached on an error to make it 13-9. A fielder's choice ended the game, giving the Braves the 13-9 win.

Mercy was led by Koch who went 1-for-6 with his first home run of the season and three RBI. Scaperotti went 2-for-6 with two RBI and Nisco went 2-for-5 with a run. Savoca went 1-for-3 with a run and Ruland went 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Wayne went 2-for-5 with two runs and his first collegiate hits and Goins went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Sophomore Derek Fernandez (Bronx, N.Y./Mount St. Michael Academy) made his first collegiate start and pitched 2.2 innings with six runs allowed to earn a no-decision. Freshman Luke Esposito (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) pitched 1.0 inning of relief with three runs allowed to take the loss in his collegiate debut. Senior Samuel Gil (Bronx, N.Y./St. Bonaventure University) pitched 2.0 scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts.

UNC Pembroke was led by Daniel Stephens who went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI. Taylor Batten pitched 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win.

Mercy had 13 hits and one error and UNC Pembroke had 10 hits and five errors.

Head Coach Chris Schoen and the Mavericks resume action on Friday, February 20th when they face Post in Myrtle Beach at 4:30 p.m.