Box Score

GRANTHAM, Pa. – Four late runs cost Franklin & Marshall's baseball team a tough 11-9 loss to Messiah in a seven-inning non-conference game that was called due to darkness on Monday afternoon. 

The Diplomats dropped to 1-4 on the year while the Falcons improved to 2-3. 

J.J. Freeman had a memorable day at the plate with two home runs, including a fourth-inning grand slam in a 2-for-5 effort that included two runs scored and five RBIs. The junior shortstop eclipsed 100 career hits on the afternoon and moved into a tie for sixth place among program leaders with his two home runs, which gave him nine for his career.

F&M shot out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second with RBI singles from Tommy Denlinger and Dan Baroff before Don DiLoreto laced a two-out double down the right-field line that plated Justin Cavegn. 

Messiah answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame before Freeman's homers in the third and fourth extended the Diplomat advantage to 9-5. The Falcons chipped away with one-run innings in the fourth and fifth to cut the deficit to two. 

In the bottom of the seventh, Messiah loaded the bases with no outs and then cleared them off a double to center field to take the one-run lead. The Falcons added on with an RBI double to center and the game was called due to darkness with one out on the scoreboard.

F&M totaled nine hits in the game, including a 3-for-4 line from Denlinger with two RBIs. Baroff continued his strong start to the season with a 2-for-4 effort and Cavegn drew a pair of walks from the leadoff spot. 

Reliever Stephen Turzai (0-1) was charged with the loss after being charged for four earned in one inning of work.

The Diplomats aim to get back on track this Saturday, hosting Elmira for a doubleheader in the 2020 home opener at 12:00 p.m.