LANCASTER, Pa. - Franklin & Marshall outshined cross-town Lancaster Bible 17-8 in non-conference baseball action on Wednesday afternoon at Caplan Field.  The Diplomats improve their record to 8-9 with the win, while the Chargers drop to 4-9 on the year. 

The Diplomats got ahead early and did not relinquish their lead, beginning the scoring onslaught with three runs in the first inning and five more in the second.

Lancaster Bible took the initial lead, 1-0, in the top of the first, and started to make a comeback in the fourth with a four-run frame to make the score 8-5.  The Diplomats answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning to increase their lead to six. 

Leading 14-8 heading into the eighth, the Diplomats capped off the game's scoring with a three-run frame for the 17-8 final.

Matt Mezansky continued his strong play, leading the Diplomats with four hits, four RBIs and three stolen bases, while Avery Attinson added three RBIs and touched home twice. Kevin Shields crossed the plate a team-high three times, Alex Vescera added a single and a two-RBI double, while Aaron Gillette notched three singles, scored twice, and swiped two bases.

Will Benenson, Luke Seib and Joe Gallitto each added an RBI in the victory.

F&M starter Brett Klatsky threw 4.2 innings, allowing six earned runs while striking out four.  Chris Mathewson entered for Klatsky in relief and recorded the win to improve to 1-1 on the season.  Danny Swad and Chris Houston combined to record a hitless final three innings for the Diplomats.

Lancaster Bible starter Justin Long dropped to 0-4, allowing five earned runs in two innings on the mound. 

Matt Taliercio led the Chargers with four RBIs, including a three-run home run to right field in the fourth inning. Tim Landis went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the loss.

The Diplomats' return to the field tomorrow at home against Purchase State in a non-conference action at 3:30 p.m.