FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Thiel College baseball team continued play at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. Monday against Alvernia University. The Tomcats lost to the Golden Wolves in the 9-inning contest, 5-0.

Freshman pitcher Anthony Rago (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin) made his Tomcat debut on the mound, and the right-hander collected Thiel's longest appearance by a starter on the season. Rago went 4.1 innings allowing seven hits and five runs, only two of which were earned. Rago left the game with the bases loaded as reliever Griffin Curry (Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell) came on in the fifth. A throwing error scored two Alvernia runners before the end of the inning that built the lead to 5-0.

Thiel was unable to answer next time up as they left two men on base in the sixth to remain scoreless on the day. The Tomcat bullpen was able to keep the Golden Wolves offense scoreless in the final three innings but the Tomcat offense was unable to capitalize as they only mustered four hits and left seven men on base.

Alvernia starter Thomas Malik kept the Tomcats in check all day as he went six innings and only allowed three hits and two walks as well as collecting eight strikeouts to earn his first victory of the year.

Sophomore catcher Andrew Giesey (Penn, Pa./Penn Trafford) collected a team-high two hits on the day. Giesey has collected at least one hit in each of Thiel's first three games.

With the loss Thiel fell to 0-3 and will face non-conference opponent Hiram College Tuesday at Terry Park Field #4. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.