ELON, N.C. – Elon University baseball scratched across three runs late, but fell short to visiting College of Charleston 6-3 in the CAA series finale on Sunday, May 2 at Latham Park.

"Tough one today," said head coach Mike Kennedy. "Just couldn't get it going offensively. Needed a big two-out hit or two but couldn't come up with one. Strung some hits together in the eighth to get within 5-3, but that run in the ninth was huge. Good weekend taking 2-of-3, now back to work. Tough stretch coming up!"

ON THE MOUND
Starter Joe Savino (0-2) was handed the loss after giving up three runs, one of them earned, on three hits. He did not walk a batter and recorded one strikeout through 5.1 innings. Kyle Greenler was tagged for two runs on two hits. He struck out three in 2.2 innings in relief. Will Gambino was responsible for the other run, with the redshirt freshman allowing one hit on 0.1 innings out of the pen. Joe Sprake also made an appearance.

AT THE PLATE
Garrett Stonehouse and Nick Cicci both hit 2-for-4 with a run scored to lead the Phoenix (16-18, 8-7 CAA) at the plate. Cicci also added an RBI to his totals. Anthony Galason went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Jack Roberts and Alex Iadisernia both turned in 1-for-3 efforts, with Iadisernia scoring once and walking once. Also collecting hits were Tyler Cranston (1-for-4), Cole Reynolds (1-for-4) and Justin Cassella (1-for-5).

THE RUNDOWN
After three scoreless innings, the Cougars (18-18, 8-7) finally broke through with two runs in the top of the fourth. A hit by pitch and a throwing error set up runners on the corners. Stonehouse then fielded a ground ball and fired home to get the lead runner, but CofC's Luke Stageberg then singled to right and Ari Sechopoulos scored from second on the play. Stonehouse then fielded another ball hit at him and fired to Cicci at home, but the runner was too quick as the Cougars extended their lead, 2-0.

Charleston pushed another three runs across in the sixth as Tanner Steffy hit a two-run homer to left and Jared Kirven added a solo shot to left. Elon loaded the bases in the seventh, but with two outs Cassella grounded out to second. In the bottom of the eighth, the Phoenix manufactured three runs on as many hits to close the gap, 5-3. Iadisernia drew a one-out walk and moved up to second on a Stonehouse single to left. Cicci followed with an RBI single to left for the team's first run, and a Reynolds hit up the middle allowed Stonehouse to come home. Cicci then tagged up on a Galason sac fly to center. CofC then added an insurance run in the ninth. After a Stageberg led off with a double to right, Kirven moved him over with a sacrifice bunt. Cam Dean then flew out to left, and the ball was deep enough for Stageberg to tag up. The Cougars then retired the Phoenix in order to bring the game to a close.

NOTES
- Elon and Charleston are now tied atop the CAA South Division standings and will meet again for three games in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. on May 20-22 to conclude the regular season.
- Elon left eight runners on base, including six in scoring position.
- The Phoenix hit 9-for-33 (.273) on the day and 2-for-8 (,250) with runners in scoring position.
- The all-time series now stands at 34-27 in favor of the Cougars.
- The teams are now even at 12-12 when playing each other at Latham Park.
- Iadisernia pushed his reached-base streak to 20 games.
- Iadisernia is two hits away from breaking into the program's all-time Top 10 list for hits in a season by a freshman.
- Elon finished its home conference slate, 7-2.

UP NEXT
Elon will make the short drive to Raleigh, N.C. this Tuesday, May 4 for a midweek meeting with NC State. First pitch from Doak Field at Dail Park is scheduled for 6 p.m.