ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Lafayette Leopards fell just short in a high-scoring Patriot League battle against Navy, dropping a 10-9 decision at Max Bishop Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Despite out-hitting the Midshipmen 14-8, Lafayette was unable to overcome a four-run sixth-inning surge by Navy.

The Mids took an early lead with two runs in the first, but the Leopards responded immediately in the second inning when Boden Fernsler launched a two-run home run to left field, tying the game 2-2. After falling behind, 5-2, as Navy scored three runs in the second, Lafayette's offense came alive in the third behind a two-RBI single from Matt Colella, to make the score 5-4.

Navy responded with a run in the bottom of the third to take a 6-4 advantage.

The Leopards continued to apply pressure in the fifth as Ryan Ulisse singled and later scored on another RBI base hit from Colella, cutting the Navy lead to 6-5. However, the Mids reclaimed the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth, using a two-run home run from Andrew Manning to build a 10-5 cushion.

The Maroon and White refused to go quietly, beginning a comeback in the seventh inning when Ryan Stoddard, who entered as a pinch runner for Liam Ebbs, hit a two-run home run to left-center field. The Leopards added two more runs in the eighth as Fernsler doubled to score Brandon Doubek and Will Dobil reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Fernsler to cross the plate, cutting the deficit to 10-9.

In the final frame, Colella singled to bring the go-ahead run to the plate, but Navy reliever Jackson Beattie recorded two strikeouts to end the threat and secure the save for the 10-9 final score.

Wesley Maksimow took the loss for Lafayette, allowing five runs on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts over 1.2 innings. Owen Phypers earned the win for Navy, surrendering nine runs on 13 hits, while striking out six in 7.0 innings of work.

Lafayette is next in action when it travels to St. Peter's for a game on Wednesday at 3 p.m.