The New York University baseball team was defeated 5-3 by Case Western Reserve University on Friday, April 7, at MCU Park in Brooklyn.

NYU, which was playing in its University Athletic Association (UAA) opener, dropped to 11-5 on the season, while the Spartans are now 13-11 overall and 7-2 in UAA play.

The Violets struck first, scoring a pair of runs in the first inning on an RBI groundout from Colman Hendershot and a RBI double off the bat of Jonathan Iaione. 

NYU starting pitcher Cameron Serapilio-Frank made that lead hold through four innings before Case Western answered with a pair of runs in the fifth inning to tie the game up. The Spartans ultimately took a 3-2 lead in the top of the seventh after a solo home run from Josh Neal. 

The Violets responded with a run in the home half of the seventh as Ryan McLaughlin hit a ground ball deep to second base to score teammate Max Juang. 

The Spartans took the lead for good in the eighth, scoring a pair of runs on wild pitches to make the score 5-3. Case Western closer Liam Killingstad pitched a perfect eighth and ninth inning to earn his second save of the season.

"We played well, but ultimately a two-out walk and five wild pitches did us in," said NYU Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "We need to clean that up going forward."

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Serapilio-Frank went a season-high seven innings on the mound. The junior struck out three Spartans and walked just two.

"That's what we expect from the guy that is looked on as our ace," added Kimbler. "He did his job today."

- Jack Walter and Coltrane Tait each had two hits to pace the Violets. 

- Jack Kurtenbach pitched a perfect ninth inning out of the bullpen.

The Violets and Spartans will return to MCU Park tomorrow for games two and three of their four-game series. First pitch of the doubleheader's opening game is slated for 12pm.