Box Scores: Game 1 | Game 2 

LANCASTER, Pa. - J.J. Freeman's bases-clearing homer in the bottom of the seventh inning completed a dramatic comeback bid in Franklin & Marshall's 5-3 win (7 innings) over William Paterson on Saturday afternoon, before the Diplomats fell by a 9-1 score in the nightcap.

F&M moved to 12-4 following its home-opening doubleheader, while the Pioneers now sit at 11-4.

To watch video of Freeman's home run, click here. 

Game 1: F&M 5, William Paterson 3 (7 Innings)

Each team's starting pitcher dominated the early innings of Saturday's windy opener at Caplan Field. William Paterson struck first in the third to take the 1-0 edge and extended the advantage to two in the following inning with an RBI single down the right-field line.

Do DiLoreto crossed home off a passed ball in the bottom of the frame to pull F&M to within one, but the Pioneers made it a 3-1 game thanks to a sacrifice fly in the top half of the fifth.

That two-run lead held until the bottom of the seventh when Alex Miller reached first on an infield error and Justin Cavegn drew a walk to put the tying run up to the plate. Connor Green laced a single that loaded the bases and Freeman ripped the game-winning, bases-clearing grand slam to right field that clinched the victory. 

Starter Jack Buckley (3-0) displayed his usual dominance with a complete-game effort, allowing just one earned on six hits and striking out seven. Reliever Eric Rosenberg (3-2) was charged with the Pioneers' loss after surrendering two earned. 

Freeman paced the offense from the leadoff spot with a 2-for-4 effort.

Game 2: William Paterson 9, F&M 1 

Game two once again appeared to be a pitcher's duel as neither team crossed home plate through the opening five innings. The flood gates opened up for William Paterson in the sixth when the Pioneers tossed seven runs on the scoreboard thanks to five hits and four Diplomat errors.

Dan Marano's one-out RBI single in the bottom of the frame scored Kelsey Launi from third and got a run back for F&M, but the Diplomats were unable to inch any closer. 

Jonathan Cole (2-2) received the start for F&M and was steady with 5 2/3 frames, allowing one earned on six hits and striking out three. Corey Martinez (3-0) earned the Pioneer win with eight innings pitched, surrendering six hits with one earned run and striking out seven. 

Launi led the Diplomats' offense with a 3-for-4 effort and a run scored.

Up Next

The Diplomats continue non-conference competition tomorrow when F&M heads to Drew for a 2:00 p.m. tilt.