Portsmouth, Ohio (Baseball) – Derek Moore (JR/Wheelersburg, Ohio) pitched seven strong innings and some early offense had the Bears in front 2-0 through the first seven frames, however Saint Catharine rallied late and defeated SSU by a score of 5-2 on Friday afternoon at Branch Rickey Park.

Moore went eight innings allowing eight hits and three runs, he set down four batters on strikes. Brandon Reaman (JR/Dayton, Ohio) and Conner Wilson (SR/San Diego, Calif.) provided offense for the Bears, both finished 3-for-4 from the plate with an RBI. Matt Dvorscak (SO/Whiting, Ind.) also had a strong day at the plate, finishing 2-for-3.

The Bears offense was rolling early, as Reaman doubled to left field early in the first allowing Andrew Vanthournout (SO/Bowling Green, Ky.) to score. Wilson followed this with an RBI double of his own, crushing a ball to deep center field where it bounced off the wall. The next two innings were scoreless as both pitchers settled in. At the end of three, SSU lead 2-0.

The game became a pitcher's duel, as the next four innings were scoreless. Saint Catharine busted the game open in the top of the eighth, pushing across three runs. The visitors scored another two in the ninth and SSU was unable to overcome the deficit, losing 5-2.

The Bears will return to action Saturday to conclude the series with Saint Catharine. Game one of the double header is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Branch Rickey Park.