BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lafayette baseball was bested by rival Lehigh, 5-3, in the first game of a four-game set on Friday at Legacy Park.

The Maroon and White wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the top of the first. A sacrifice fly by sophomore Matt Colella to right field and a wild pitch that scored senior Easton Brenner (2-for-4) gave the Leopards a 2-0 lead.

The Mountain Hawks responded in the bottom of the frame as Ryan Cochran slapped an RBI-double to right field, tying the game 2-2. 

Lafayette took back the lead, 3-2, on an RBI-double down the left field line by freshman Alex Barrist, but Lehigh tied the game in the third, 3-3, on an RBI-single by Aidan Quinn.

With just one out, the Leopards loaded the bases in the eighth, but were not able to score as the next two batters struck out and flew out, respectively, ending the threat.

With the game still tied 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth and two outs, Lehigh's Raffaele Rogers blasted a two-run home run to give the Mountain Hawks a 5-3 advantage, which proved to be the final.

Marcus Danchision collected the win, working 5.0 scoreless innings, while striking out two. Sophomore Owen Basso took the loss, tossing 2.0 innings, surrendering a hit and two runs. Lafayette senior starter Joe Skapinetz pitched 6.0 innings and recorded eight strikeouts.

The Lafayette Nine continue their series against Lehigh on Saturday with a doubleheader at noon.