Aston, PA - A six-run sixth inning followed by a four-run seventh proved to be the difference as the John Jay baseball team fell to Penn State Brandywine, 17-7, on Thursday afternoon.

John Jay (1-18) came out aggressive offensively, striking first in the opening inning when Sebastian Sanchez delivered an RBI single to score Jaxen Gangwish. However, Penn State Brandywine (10-10) responded immediately with a four-run bottom half, highlighted by a two-run double from Mason Coursey and an RBI single by Dan Rohlsen.

The Bloodhounds continued to apply pressure early, adding another run in the second inning on an RBI single from Gangwish, who was a constant spark at the top of the lineup. The senior turned in a standout performance, going 4-for-5 with two runs scored, an RBI, and two stolen bases.

Trailing 6-2, John Jay delivered its biggest punch in the fourth inning, erupting for five runs on six hits to take a 7-6 lead. Mark Piri got the rally started with an RBI single before Sanchez added a sacrifice fly. Hayden Tackett followed with a clutch two-run single, and James Horodyski capped the inning with an RBI base hit to give the Bloodhounds their first lead of the afternoon.

Tackett finished with two RBIs and reached base twice, while Horodyski added an RBI and was active on the basepaths with two stolen bases. Piri also contributed an RBI and a run scored as part of the 11-hit effort for John Jay.

Penn State Brandywine answered in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 7-7, then took control in the sixth inning. Capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hitting, the Lions scored six runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Ivano Romaniello and a two-run base hit by Luke DeVita.

Romaniello led the way for Penn State Brandywine with three RBIs, while Coursey added three RBIs of his own on two hits. DeVita also drove in three runs, and Miguel Rodriguez chipped in with two hits and an RBI. At the top of the lineup, Ryan Brown and Ryan Snyder combined to score nine runs, consistently putting pressure on the John Jay pitching staff.

The Lions added four more runs in the seventh inning, drawing multiple walks to extend the lead and put the game out of reach.

On the mound, Zach earned the win in relief for Penn State Brandywine, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out four. Michael Luongo (0-4) was tagged with the loss for John Jay after allowing five runs (four earned) over 3.2 innings of work.

The Bloodhounds open CUNYAC play on Friday as they travel to The Bronx to square off against Lehman.

First pitch is slated for 3:00 p.m.