Teaneck, N.J. (May 15, 2015)—Mount St. Mary's dropped the opening game of its crucial four-game series at Fairleigh Dickinson, 9-1, on Friday afternoon.  Zach Hostetter went 2-for-3 with a solo home run for the Mountaineers in the loss.

The Mount and Fairleigh Dickinson are battling for the fourth and final spot in next week's NEC Tournament.  The Mount (11-29, 9-12 NEC) clinches the spot with two wins in the four-game series while FDU earns the spot with three wins in the four-game set.

FDU grabbed the early lead with a run in the bottom of the second inning.  Joel Roman doubled, moved to third on a Ryan Brennan single, and scored on a John Giakas RBI groundout.

The Mountaineers threatened in the top of the third inning.  Tommy Quealy singled with one out and moved to third on a Fairleigh Dickinson error on a Ryan Owens sacrifice bunt.  After a groundout, ory Britton walked to load the bases, but FDU starter Joe Flack was able to get Hostetter out on a 1-6-3 groundout to end the inning.

Hostetter bounced back with a solo home run to lead off the top of the sixth inning to even the score.

The Knights (18-23, 9-12 NEC) regained the lead with a run in the bottom of the seventh.  Brennan doubled, moved to third on a Giakas bunt single, and then scored on a Bobby Romano sacrifice fly.

Fairleigh Dickinson then broke the game open with seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to seal the win.

Starting pitcher Thomas Williams provided the Mount with a quality start, allowing two runs in 6.2 innings of work.  Williams struck out three while allowing seven hits on the day.

Flack allowed one run and six hits and seven innings to pick up the win while Logan Frati tossed two scoreless innings for a save.

The teams continue the series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES:  The Mount holds a 46-34 lead in the all-time series with Fairleigh Dickinson…This is the Mount's first trip to Teaneck since 2012.