WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 2, 2023) -- Both games of the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) doubleheader saw the visiting FDU-Florham stage late comebacks to defeat the King's College baseball team, 6-5 in game one and 8-3 in game two, at Lipo Field on Sunday. With the losses, the Monarchs fall to 9-14 and 2-10 in the MAC Freedom, while the Devils improve to 7-14 and 4-5 in the conference standings.
 
Game 1 – L, 5-6:
A three-run seventh inning proved costly as the Monarchs dropped the opener, 6-5, to the Devils. Each team plated a run in the opening frame, with King's (9-14, 2-10 MAC Freedom) taking advantage of a lead off double from Will Hronich to score on a single up the middle from Nick Ciszak as the game was knotted at 1-1 early.
 
Both pitching staffs settled in as there was just one hit recorded through the next two and a half innings before the Monarchs offense reignited in the bottom of the fourth. Cole Morio posted a two-out double to left and came around to score on a double from Ciszak as the Monarchs took a 2-1 lead.
 
FDU-Florham (7-14, 4-5 MAC Freedom) responded in the top of the fifth, taking their first lead of the game, 3-2, with two runs on three hits, but the Monarchs offense was sparked again behind a double from Jacob Sutton and singles from Zach Day and Morio to put King's back on top, 5-3.
 
A quick sixth inning set up the thrilling finish as the Devils strung together two hits and took advantage of a pair of Monarch miscues to go ahead, 6-5, heading into the final inning. FDU-Florham's defense would remain steady in the bottom of the seventh as the Monarchs fell, 6-5, in the opener.
 
Four different Monarchs recorded multi-hit games, led by Ciszak who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Morio had a 2-for-3 effort with two RBIs and a run. Adin Hoderewski struck out nine while allowing just two earned runs in the first 6.0 innings, while Jeff Higgins was awarded the loss in 0.2 innings of relief, allowing just one hit and no earned runs.
 
Tyrus Chippendale went a perfect 4-for-4 against King's in the opener with two runs, while Tyler McCulloch drove in a team-best two RBIs. Chris Kaponis picked up the win in 2.1 innings of relief, holding the Monarchs scoreless with just one hit.
 
Game 2 – L, 3-8:
It was another late surge that downed the Monarchs in the night cap as the Devils plated six runs in the top of the sixth to secure the win. King's struck early again, capitalizing on a leadoff double from Hronich and a sacrifice fly from Yochem to put the Monarchs ahead, 1-0, after the opening stanza.
 
Both teams tallied a run in the third, as the Monarchs used three straight singles from Chase Yochem, Day, and Brandon Loner and a hit by pitch from Michael Marmolejos to maintain the lead, 2-1.
 
After a quick fourth inning, the Devils tied the game in the top of the fifth, but King's had an immediate response in the bottom half of the inning thanks to singles from Yochem and Marmolejos to hold a 3-2 edge.
 
The Devils exploded for five runs on three hits in the sixth, including a three-run home run from Chris Kubas to take a daunting 8-3 advantage over the Monarchs.
 
Despite a leadoff double from Ciszak, King's was limited to just one hit in the final two innings as the Monarchs dropped an 8-3 decision to FDU-Florham in the night cap.
 
Yochem and Day each went 2-for-3 in the loss, with Yochem driving in one and scoring twice. Additionally, Marmolejos drove in a team-best two RBIs. Matt Masala posted the loss as the starter in 5.0 innings of work, giving up four earned runs on eight hits with two strikeouts. Brennen Schneider was strong in relief, throwing 2.0 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.
 
Zach Ganca paced the Devils with a 3-for-4 effort, driving in one and scoring one, while Brody Donovan also posted a multi-hit effort going 2-for-4. Jake Stollar earned the win in the final 2.1 innings, giving up just two hits in the scoreless outing.
 
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The previously scheduled contest with Penn State Scranton for Tuesday, April 4 has been postponed with make up date and time to be determined. The Monarchs will be back in action on Thursday as they travel to Williamsport for their first match up in program history with Lycoming College. First pitch of the MAC Freedom doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m.