LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall's baseball team struggled to find its offense in a 5-0 loss to Centennial Conference (CC) opponent Ursinus on Tuesday afternoon at Caplan Field. The defeat dropped the Diplomats to 10-13, 2-4 CC, while the Bears improved to 12-8, 4-2 CC.

Ursinus' starter Steve Berardi (2-2) was in control throughout, tossing a complete-game shutout and allowing just six hits, all of which were singles. Paul Giulio (2-5) was dealt the loss for F&M after pitching the first five frames and allowing three earned while striking out four. 

A double to right center with runners on second and third plated Ursinus' first run of the game in the top of the second.

The Bears added to their 1-0 lead in the third when a fielder's choice RBI, followed by a two-out RBI double, added two more to the scoreboard to make it a 3-0 contest. 

Both offenses fell silent until the top of the sixth when a two-out single through the right side scored runners from second and third for Ursinus to push the advantage to 5-0. 

With one out in the bottom of the eighth, F&M showed life with back-to-back singles from Matt Mezansky and Pat Andrews. However, the next two hitters in the order went down on a flyout to centerfield and a pop up to the shortstop, ending the threat. 

The Diplomats combined for six hits and left five runners on base in the contest. Mezansky and Andrews both put together 2-for-3 efforts at the plate, while Brett Poniros and Brian Erb each notched a single at the top of the order. 

Ursinus tallied nine hits that included a 2-for-4 line from first baseman Chris Jablonski and a 2-for-3 showing from right fielder Timo Muro. 

F&M returns to the field on Thursday when the Diplomats host non-conference opponent York at 4:00 p.m.