FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Thiel College baseball team was defeated, 10-5, by the Saint Michael's Purple Knights in the Tomcats' final day in the Gene Cusic Classic on Sunday.
 
The Tomcats were not able to get on the board until the sixth inning but the Purple Knights led 3-1 after the top of the sixth. The Purple Knights scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead to 6-1.
 
In the seventh and eighth innings, the Tomcats kept clawing back and brought the score to 5-6. The Purple Knights responded with a four-run eighth bring the score to the eventual final, 10-5.
 
Trey Williams (Jeromesville, Ohio/Hillsdale) went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, two runs, and a walk. Anthony Rago (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin) also notched two hits, including a double, and two runs. Chase Morrison (Monaca, Pa./Central Valley) drove in two runs and Dan Lutz (Loveland, Ohio/Milford) drove in one. Seth Johnson (Magnolia, Ohio/Tuscarawas Valley) scored a run. Eight different Tomcats drew a walk at the plate in the contest.
 
Richard Crooks (Milan, Ohio/Edison) was charged with the loss but allowed just three runs (two earned) and struck out four through five innings.
 
For the Purple Knights, Ulysses Luciano recorded three RBIs. Evan Balian went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three runs, and an RBI. Sean Birch earned the win in five shutout innings. John Luke Cianciolo was credited with the save in 1.2 innings pitched.
 
The Tomcats concluded the Gene Cusic Classic at 3-4 and head back home to face the Hiram Terriers at Tomcat Park on Wednesday at 2 p.m.