EDWARDSVILLE – The Wilkes University baseball team was unable to complete a comeback, falling 7-5 in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon to Stevenson University at Bruggeworth Field.

Wilkes fell to 7-10 overall with the loss while Stevenson improved to 9-6 overall.

The Mustangs scored two unearned runs in the top of the third as they took advantage of a walk, double, error, hit by pitch and a wild pitch to take the 2-0 lead.

The Colonels tied the game in the bottom of the fourth as Evan Melberger (West Pittston, PA/Wyoming Area) walked and then stole second. He scored on a double over the left fielder's head by Darren Kerdesky (Dallas, PA/Dallas). A Zack Luksic (Shavertown, PA/Dallas) groundout moved Kerdesky to third and then AJ Brosious (Laurys Station, PA/Allentown Central Catholic) drove in Kerdesky with a single up the middle to make it 2-2.

Armani Jones hit a three-run home run in top of the sixth and the Mustangs added a two-run single to take a 7-2 lead.

With one out in the eighth Jimmy Brazofsky (Park Ridge, NJ/Park Ridge) walked and then advanced to third when Kerdeksy reached on a throwing error by the pitcher. Luksic then singled to bring in Brazofsky. Loch Williams (Elkton, MD/Tome) then singled to load the bases and Chase Vrabel (Gibsonia, PA/Pine Richland) was hit by a pitch to force in Kerdesky to make it 7-4. The Mustangs were able to get out of the inning though with a pop out and groundout.

In the bottom of the ninth Adam Grundt (Archbald, PA/Valley View) reached on a throwing error by the third baseman then went to third on a single by Todd Kolbicka (Hanover Twp., PA/Hanover) down the right field line. Grundt would score on a sacrifice fly to left field in foul territory by Kerdesky to make it 7-5 with two outs. Dylan Young was able to get a groundout to end the game with the Colonels having the tying run at the plate.

Tegan Shortlidge (Nescopeck, PA/Berwick) started for the Colonels on the mound and took a no decision after he went 3.2 innings allowing two runs (zero earned) on two hits, three walks and three strikeouts. Colby Butczynski (Nanticoke, PA/Greater Nanticoke) (0-2) took the loss as he went 2.1 innings allowing five runs on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Braydon Wuestner (Gales Ferry, CT/Ledyard) made his pitching debut for Wilkes as he went two scoreless innings allowing two hits with one walk and one strikeout. Jonathan Martens (Mt. Pocono, PA/Scranton Prep) pitched the final inning scoreless for Wilkes allowing two walks.

Jake Pigeon started and went 4.1 innings in a no decision for Stevenson. He allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Jason Labrador (1-0) earned the win going 1.2 innings while not allowing a hit and recording three strikeouts. Patrick O'Farrell went 1.1 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits with one walk and one strikeout. Matt Kossey then went 0.2 innings to end the eighth. Young earned his first save of the season as he pitched the ninth allowing one unearned run on one hit and with one strikeout.

Jason Spezzaferra (Maywood, NJ/Hackensack) was 2-for-3 with a double while Kerdesky had two RBI's and two runs scored to lead Wilkes on offense.

Wilkes is back on the field tomorrow hosting Susquehanna University at Bruggeworth Field in non-conference action with first pitch at 3:30 p.m.