LEWISTON, Maine – The Husson University baseball team battled back multiple times but ultimately fell to RV Bates College, 7-5, on Wednesday afternoon at Leahey Field. 

Bates (16-3) struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, capitalizing on a hit-by-pitch and a stolen base before delivering a two-out, two-run single down the left field line to take an early 2-0 lead.

Husson (7-11) responded immediately in the top of the second courtesy of a spark from its freshmen. After freshman Liam Kelley reached with a single, freshman John Hanlon tied the game with a two-run home run to left-center, the first of his collegiate career, evening the score at 2-2. 

The Eagles grabbed their first lead in the fourth inning. Junior Matt Holmes worked a walk and eventually came around to score when senior Joe Hamelin delivered an RBI single to right field, giving Husson a 3-2 advantage.

Husson threatened again in the fifth with multiple walks and stolen bases putting runners in scoring position, but the Bates pitching staff worked out of the jam to keep the deficit at one.

Bates answered in the sixth inning, using a pair of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a timely single to plate two runs and reclaim a 4-3 lead.

The Eagles responded in the seventh inning with another rally. Holmes singled and later scored, while Kelley delivered a two-RBI single to push Husson back in front, 5-4. 

The lead was short-lived, however, as Bates capitalized in the bottom of the eighth. A leadoff single, followed by a walk and a double down the right field line, tied the game before a single and a wild pitch allowed two more runs to cross, giving Bates a 7-5 edge.

Husson put a pair of runners on in the ninth inning, but Bates closed the door to secure the victory. 

Holmes led the Eagles offensively with a 2-for-3 performance, scoring twice and drawing two walks. Kelley added two hits and two RBIs, while Hanlon finished with two hits, including his home run, and two RBIs. Hamelin also contributed a pair of hits and an RBI.

On the mound, sophomore Avery Lawrence got the start and went five strong innings, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out four. Freshman Max Hopkins and senior Allen Wheaton combined to finish the game in relief.

The Eagles return to North Atlantic Conference play this weekend as they battle Thomas College in a four-game series, beginning on Saturday with a doubleheader at the Winkin Complex set to begin at 1 p.m.