(AUBURNDALE, Fla.) - The No. 13/21-ranked Thomas More College baseball team opened the 2012 campaign with an 8-4 loss to Bridgewater (Va.) College today (Monday, March 5, 2012) on the opening day of the Russ Matt Central Florida Invitational at the Lake Myrtle Complex in Auburndale, Florida.

With the loss, the Saints fall to 0-1.  With the win, the Eagles improve to 10-3 on the season.

The Eagles scored one in the second, three in the sixth and four in the seventh, while the Saints plated one in the third, two in the fifth and one in the ninth.

On the mound, junior Grant Lewis (Mason, Ohio/Mason) suffered the loss, as he pitched six innings, giving up four runs and striking out five.  Sophomore relief pitcher Ryan Kelly (Worthington, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales) pitched a scoreless eighth inning in relief.

At the plate, the Saints were led by senior catcher Andrew Clements (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas), who was three-for-four.  Freshman outfielder Nick Connor (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder) was two-for-three and senior first baseman Andrew Thole (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) added two runs batted-in.

The Saints return to the diamond tomorrow (March 6) when they play the University of Mount Union at 3 p.m. at Chain of Lake Field Two in Winter Haven, Florida.