WINTER HAVEN, FL (March 14, 2012) – The Vassar College baseball team surrendered five runs in the eighth inning and three in the ninth to fall to Fitchburg State University, 9-5 at Lake Myrtle Park.

The Brewers (0-4) will look for their first victory of the season taking on Franklin and Marshall College, Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Chain of Lakes Field #4.

Entering the eighth inning, Vassar led 4-1 with Zander Mrlik allowing just one run in seven innings of work. After Mrlik walked Cody Bamforth, the Falcons' first hitter in the top of the eighth, he was relieved by lefty Max Frankel who surrendered a single to left to Frank Yavorosky that left fielder Parker Werline bobbled. Once Werline handled the ball he threw to cut off man Mike Perrone who rocketed the ball by second baseman Dave Robbins. The throwing error allowed both players to come around to score, cutting the Brewers' lead to 4-3.

Frankel then allowed a triple to Fitchburg State right fielder David Mason before giving way to Robbins. Robbins retired the first batter he faced, walked the second and then got some defensive help as Vassar third baseman Jason Garfinkel was able to cut Mason down at the plate as he tried to score on a hard groundball to third. A passed ball put runners on second and third, setting up pinch hitter Will Comerford who delivered for the Falcons, lacing a double to right. Comerford then came around to score on a double by lead off hitter Jeff Boice, giving the Falcons a 6-4 lead entering the bottom of the eighth.

Vassar was able to get a run back in the bottom of the inning when Robbins roped a double down the left field line after center fielder Liam Lee walked and first baseman Brett Zaziski was hit by a pitch.

The Falcons scored three more in the ninth with catcher Matt Zajac delivering a two out double to score a pair. Zajac came around to score on a single by designated hitter Shawn Trombley.

The Brewers struck first with three runs in the bottom of the second. Garfinkel singled up the middle, two batters later designated hitter Kyle Casey legged out an infield single to first. CatcherA.J. Kim singled through the left side to load the bases. With the bases loaded and one out, right fielder Scott Allen hit a sharp grounder that went through Boice's legs to score two. Two batters later, shortstop Mike Perrone knocked a single through the middle to score Kim, giving the Brewers a 3-0 advantage.

Mrlik threw seven innings for Vassar, allowing just two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.

Tynan Flegg got the win for the Falcons, throwing eight innings and allowing just one earned run. Robbins took the loss for the Brewers.