FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The University of Scranton baseball team fell behind early and could not mount a rally in a 12-6 loss to Hood College on Sunday afternoon during the team's spring break trip.

Hood (10-0) scored three runs in the second inning and four more in the top of the third for a 7-1 lead. Scranton (2-2) fought back with three in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit to 7-4, but the Blazers took command with a four-run sixth inning.

The Royals were led by freshman left fielder Connor Harding (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal Central), who singled twice, drove in three and scored a run. Senior second baseman Patrick Mergel (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) doubled twice, drove in a run and scored a run.

Senior designated hitter Seth Bower (Newtown Square, Pa./Marple Newtown) and sophomore second baseman Kevin Haag (Ossining, N.Y./Ossining/Bridgton Academy) both singled twice and scored a run. Senior center fielder Tommy Trotter (Cranford, N.J./Cranford) singled and drove in two, and junior third baseman Ian McIntosh (Newtown, Pa./La Salle College H.S.) tripled and scored a run.

On the hill, freshman righty Matthew Yard (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) had a solid collegiate debut, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out one over the final three innings.

The Royals are back in action on Monday when they face Messiah at 10 a.m. in Fort Pierce, Fla.

--ROYALS--