EDWARDSVILLE – The Wilkes University baseball team hosted The College of New Jersey in a non-conference matchup at Bruggeworth Field Thursday afternoon, falling to the Lions 6-1.

Wilkes falls to 1-1 on the young season, while TCNJ improves to 2-2.

The game was a pitcher's duel through the first five innings, as AJ Levandoski (Scranton, PA/West Scranton) allowed just one hit and the duo of Ryan Greenstein and Owen Hoffman allowed only two to keep the score at 0-0.

The visitors took the lead in the top of the sixth, breaking the deadlock with a two-run home run by Brian Lovaglio to left field, ending Levandoski's day after 5.1 innings. Wilkes got on the board in the seventh inning as Jack Mathis' (Exeter PA/Wyoming Area) walk with the bases loaded brought home Mike Show (Clarks Summit, PA/Abington Heights). They were unable to add another as Andres Cruz (Wayne, PA/Radnor) went down swinging and Devin Markert (Pittston, PA/Pittston Area) grounded into a double play.

Wilkes was unable to score again over the final two innings, as the Lions added four more to win 6-1.

Levandoski was given the loss after a strong outing, allowing two earned runs on two hits with six strikeouts. Nathan Loch (Effort, PA/Pleasant Valley) led the Colonel offense going 3-for-5 with a stolen base.

Lovaglio led the Lions going 2-for-3 with two RBIs on a home run, a double, and a walk. Hoffman was given the win pitching four innings and allowing just three hits and the lone earned run.

Wilkes returns to action on Sunday, March 1st as they kick off their spring break trip with a doubleheader against Kenyon College. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.