Union, NJ (February 28, 2013) – Kean University scored two unearned runs and the Bulldogs made four errors overall, all in the two innings the Cougars scored, as the DeSales University baseball team dropped its 2013 season opener, 2-1, at #10 Kean on Thursday afternoon.

The Bulldogs (0-1), who were playing and/or practicing outside for the first time this season, took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when senior Jack Kavetski scored on a Cougar (3-1) wild pitch after he had walked with two out and advanced to third on a double from fellow senior Brian Mauro.

DSU still led by one run entering the bottom of the fourth but three consecutive errors by the Bulldogs tied the game at one and gave Kean runners on first and second with no one out.  After a sacrifice bunt, senior Colby Pacillo retired the next batter on a comebacker to the mound tagging out the runner at third trying to score and got the third out a bunt pop out in foul ground to keep the game tied.

The game remained tied entering the bottom of the eighth inning and after senior Dan Gayeski retired the first batter of the inning, KU's Andy Lopez reached on a throwing error by the Bulldog shortstop.  A single down the right-field line by Nick Ramagli pushed Lopez to third and he scored one batter later on a ground out to second giving KU a 2-1 lead and the Bulldogs went in order in the ninth.

Pacillo, Gayeski, and sophomore Trevor Connors were all terrific on the bump this afternoon combining to allow just three hits with one walk and striking out six.  Both Kean runs were unearned.

Mauro finished with two of DSU's four hits and both Mauro and Kavetski had doubles in the loss.

The Bulldogs return to action on Sunday as they fly out to San Antonio, TX for spring break and open up play vs. University of Houston-Victoria.