SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University baseball team saw its six game win streak snapped sunday afternoon as it fell to visiting DeSales University 5-3. The Sea Gulls offense was held in check throughout the game and for the first time since last Sunday never led at any point in the game.

The Bulldogs (4-7) jumped out to an early 3-0 lead scoring three times in the first three innings. DeSales took the lead on a solo blast by Tommy Epsaro in the second inning and never relinquished the lead. The Bulldogs would tack on two more runs in the top of the third off a two-run RBI triple.

The Sea Gulls (13-6) had a chance to tie the game in the bottom half of the first but were unable to take advantage. Justin Meekins led off the inning with a single up the middle and advanced to second during the next at-bat when Kyle Canavan placed down a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt. After stealing third Meekins was just 90 feet away from home but DeSales pitcher Andrew Schuler retired the next two batters to end the threat.

The game turned into a pitching duel from the third inning on as neither team was really able to mount any sort of offensive threat. Brad Keith, who go the start for the maroon and gold, retired three of the first four batters he faced via strikeout but eventually surrendered the three runs early in the game.

Connor Reeves, who entered the game in relief of Keith, and Logan Manz combined for four and two thirds innings of work allowing four hits and one run while striking out two and allowed no walks.

However, Salisbury was unable to mount any offensive threat on its end as the Gulls were stymied by Schuler throughout the afternoon. The Sea Gulls did manage to cut the deficit to just one in the sixth inning. Tom LaBriola and Jay Perry each tallied back-to-back RBI to score Colby Dean and Jack Barry respectively to make the score 3-2.

After the Bulldogs stretched the lead back to three, 5-2 Salisbury pulled back within two in the bottom of the ninth but couldn't muster anymore offense as a strikeout ended the game.

Keith took the loss finishing the game allowing two hits, three runs, and three walks, while striking out five. Reeves, Manz, Andrew Kramer, and Ryan Gough completed the game going six and two thirds innings combined allowing just five hits and two runs, while striking out four.

The offense finished the day with seven hits, three RBI, and left seven runners stranded on base. Scott Ardoin led the day for the Sea Gulls going 2-for-4 as he was the only member of the maroon and gold to record a multi-hit game.

Salisbury returns to action on Tuesday, March 21, when it hosts Rowan University. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.