April 19, 2000

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Lafayette dropped to 9-22 on the season with a 10-3 non-conference loss at Marist on Wednesday. The Leopards were held to just six hits in the game.

After a scoreless first inning, Marist got on the scoreboard with two runs in the second. An RBI-groundout from Ben Cueto and an RBI-single from Steve O'Sullivan accounted for the runs. Marist added another run in the third, as Anthony Bocchino reached on a bunt single, stole second base, advanced to third on an error by a pitcher and later scored on a groundout.

Marist scored the fourth and eventual game-winning run in the fourth inning, when Anthony Cervini singled home Jeff Tafuto to give Marist a 4-0 lead. The Red Foxes sealed the game in the fifth when they scored five runs. Cueto connected for an RBI-single and designated hitter Tim Bittner drove in two more with a triple. Marist went on to score two more in the inning, finishing with five runs on three hits while aided by two Lafayette errors.

Trailing 9-0, Lafayette mounted a small comeback in the top of the sixth. Senior Bob Osipower (Quakertown, Pa./ Bethlehem Catholic) drove in the first two runs with a double to right field. Freshman Matt Tambellini (Millville, NJ/ Sacred Heart) singled home the Leopards' final run when Osipower came plateward to make it 9-3.

Marist (20-12-2) tackedon an insurance run in the seventh to go on to the 10-3 win.

Freshman James Duer (Stony Point, N.Y./NorthRockland) took the loss for Lafayette to drop to 2-3. Duer allowed two runs (neither earned) in two innings of work. Ken Catino got the win.

Lafayette returns to Patriot League action on Friday and Saturday when the Leopards will play a pair of doubleheaders at Army.