Providence, RI - The Lasell University baseball team lost their GNAC Tournament opening round matchup to the Saint Joseph (Conn.) Blue Jays on Friday evening, 9-1. The loss sends the Lasers to the loser's bracket, while USJ will be playing in the winner's bracket.

The Blue Jays drew first blood in this one as a single from Joseph Fritz with runners on second and third, scored two. Later, in the fifth, back-to-back walks gave USJ runners on first and second and a single to the right center gap scored one run adding on to the Blue Jay lead. An error would then bring in another run and make it 4-0 USJ in the fifth.

Lasell finally got on the board in the sixth inning when Jared Whitby singled to lead off the inning and a sacrifice bunt from Chris Bulk moved him to second base. CJ Mills then singled down the right field line and cut the deficit to three.

Back-to-back singles to start the top of the seventh gave USJ runners on first and second with none out. A bunt attempt that would be thrown over Tim Callahan's head at first allowed a runner to score from second. Another bunt that would go for a hit, brought in another run and a wild pitch scored the third run of the inning after that. With a runner on third a Ben Balducci single would plate another run. After stealing second and getting to third on a sacrifice bunt, Balducci would then score on a wild pitch, capping off a five-run inning and giving the Blue Jays a 9-1 lead.

The Lasers would have three more innings to get even, but failed to do so, giving USJ a 9-1 win.

Jeremy Blackwood (2-2) got the start for the Lasers. He tossed four innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out three.

Offensively, Pierce Clare doubled, Mills singled and drove in the Lasers lone run, and Callahan, Whitby and Bulk all singled as well.

Up Next: The Lasers will take on the Johnson and Wales Wildcats on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM in the first game of the Pod B loser's bracket.