MYRTLE BEACH, S.C — The Blue Devils lost 5-2 in Friday evening’s matchup against the Wildcats despite scoring two runs in the first inning.

The senior leadoff batter Russ Mistretta started the inning with a double and then scored off a RBI double by Rochester native Pat Bigham. Billy Clifford followed up with a double of his own to bring home Bigham and give the Blue Devils a quick 2-0 lead, but the Blue Devils bats couldn’t produce anymore runs against the Johnson and Wales defense.

Fredonia starting pitcher Nick Lawlor pitched four clean innings before the Johnson & Wales bats were able to make something happen. Back-to-back doubles and a single to start the top of the fifth inning for the Wildcats evened the score 2-2. Lawlor worked his way out of the inning by picking off the runner at first and, after giving up another double, forced the next two batters to ground out. He finished the game with a no decision.

Ryan Howard entered the game in the sixth inning in relief for Lawlor and began the inning with a leadoff walk. He struck out the next batter but a stolen base during the at-bat put the Wildcat baserunner in scoring position. A RBI double followed and despite Howard striking out the final two batters in the inning, the Blue Devils trailed for the first time in the game.

Tyler Phillips finished the game with two hits including a double. Junior transfer James Mitchell had a pinch hit single in the ninth inning and senior captain Cole Brink had a single and reached base on an error in the loss.

Fredonia (1-2) continues its Myrtle Beach trip with a doubleheader today against Lehman College. First pitch is at 10 a.m.