King's Point, NY (March 22) – An eight run third inning by Merchant Marine was the difference in today's contest as the FDU-Florham baseball team fell to the host Mariners by a 10-2 final in non-conference action on Wednesday afternoon.

FDU-Florham (5-9) scored its lone runs of the game in the first and third frame as Tyrus Chippendale (Middlesex, NJ) crossed the plate on a fielder's choice and Gabe Francisco (Rutherford, NJ) registered the first homer of his career.
 
Merchant Marine (7-5) pushed across eight runs in the bottom of the third after answering FDU-Florham's first run in the bottom of the first. The run barrage was highlighted by a three run home run by Darling.
 
Colby Craig (Chester, NJ) got the start for the Devils, but didn't get a decision after throwing just one inning today. Ryan Felton took the win for the Mariners on three innings, one hit, two runs and four strikeouts. Chris Kaponis (Burlington Township, nJ) shouldered the loss on one inning, three hits, five earned runs and a pair of punch outs.

FDU SCORING SUMMARY

T1 | Tyrus Chippendale scored on a fielder's choice (1-0 FDU)
T3 | Gabe Francisco homered (2-1 FDU)

FDU-Florham will host DeSales University in MAC Freedom action on Friday, March 24 in game one of a three game series to open the weekend at 3:30 pm at Vincent J. and Lenda F. Naimoli Ballpark.

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