FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Franklin & Marshall baseball team (3-10) was defeated in its non-conference matchup against the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) (3-6), 10-8, Friday afternoon at the Gene Cusic Classic. F&M held an 8-2 lead when the Marines stormed back with a seven-run seventh inning to take control of the contest.

The Diplomats capitalized on early opportunities as Michael von Zuben singled on the very first pitch of the game. After a stolen base and a wild pitch advanced the sophomore to third, an error in the infield on the following at-bat allowed von Zuben to score and Spencer Berson to advance to second on the play. Bobby Falese singled to put runners at the corners as Jakob Hoffman lofted a sacrifice fly to left field – giving F&M a 2-0 advantage. Patrick Cettina then drew a walk to set up AJ Desautels, who roped a two-RBI triple to extend the lead to 4-0. A single from Matt Hollender into the left center field gap scored Desautels - capping the rally with the Diplomats holding a 5-0 lead.

F&M went right back to work on offense in the top of the second as von Zuben singled and Berson doubled to begin the frame. After Falese was intentionally walked to load the bases, Hoffman put the ball in play for an RBI-groundout to give the Diplomats a 6-0 lead.

The Mariners tacked on its first run in the bottom of the second, but F&M responded a few innings later as Falese was brought home on an RBI-single from Hoffman in the top of the sixth to make the score 7-1. After Hoffman worked his way to third, Jackson Hyman lifted an RBI-sacrifice fly to left field - extending the Diplomats' lead to seven.

From that point, USMMA chipped away at the deficit by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead.

Von Zuben had a great game at the plate, batting 4-for-5 and scoring twice. Hollender tallied three hits, while Falese and Hoffman recorded two each. Von Zuben also picked up two stolen bases, while Cettina, Falese, and Hoffman each swiped one.

Colin Mackenzie (0-1) was tagged with the loss, striking out one in 0.2 innings of relief. Kiernan Keller was terrific in his start – striking out a career-high nine batters and allowing one earned run in five innings.

Franklin & Marshall concludes the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic Saturday when it takes on the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.