BOSTON - Sophomore Matthew Paharik and freshman Tyler DiNezza recorded their first collegiate hits for the Lasell University baseball team Thursday during an 8-0 season-opening loss at UMass Boston.

"We are a young team and we looked like it today," said Lasell University Baseball Head Coach Billy Uberti. "We need to learn from this and move forward."

Sophomore CJ Mills and junior Jason Giangrande pitched well in relief for the Lasers (0-1). Mills retired the Beacons (2-0) in order during the fifth inning, and then Giangrande worked out of a jam in the seventh, not allowing any runs after UMass Boston put runners on second and third with one out.

Starting pitcher Tim Cianciolo earned the win on the mound for the hosts, working six strong innings. He did not allow any runs and only two hits, while striking out 10 batters. Gianni Zarrilli Jr. (3 of 4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, home run) and Aidan Blake (2 for 4, RBI, run, triple) led the way from an offensive perspective for the hosts.

During the bottom of the first, Craig Corliss and Blake tallied an RBI single and triple, respectively, with two outs, giving the Beacons a 2-0 lead. Bostyn Burris scored on a passed ball in the fourth, and then a two-run shot by Zarrilli with two outs in the sixth extended UMass Boston's lead to 5-0. 

The Beacons built an 8-0 cushion with a three-run eighth inning. Luke Leavitt tallied a sacrifice fly to right. Steve Brookwell recorded an RBI triple, and then crossed home on a wild pitch, ending the scoring.

The Lasers will begin their spring-break trip Sunday with a doubleheader against the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford in Fort Myers, Florida. Game times are set for 9 a.m. and noon.

Director of Athletic Communications Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lasell.edu.

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