Box Score Smithfield, R.I. -- After already plating two in the inning, the UMBC Baseball team sent the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, but couldn't complete the comeback as it fell, 8-5, to host Bryant in the rubber game of the America East series.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first, Anthony Swenda (Bridgeport, Pa.) hit a two-run homer to tie the game, and Matt Ryan (Bethesda, Md.) then hit a solo shot to put UMBC (15-17, 6-6 AE) up 3-2 in the fourth. The lead was short-lived, however, as Bryant put up three in the bottom of the fourth and then added three more in the sixth. 

The Retrievers fought back in the top of the ninth after Swenda drew a leadoff walk and Derek Paris (Lanesborough, Mass.) had a pinch-hit double to put two in scoring position. Ian Diaz (Philadelphia, Pa.) drove in Swenda with an RBI ground out, and Tony Krueger (Appleton, Wisc.) had a two-out single to score Paris and make it 8-5. Leewood Molessa (Pullman, W.Va.) then singled to bring the tying run to the plate, but a groundout ended the game.

Christian Easley (Collinsville, Va.) went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a stolen base, while Krueger and Ryan each added a pair of hits for UMBC.

The Retrievers outhit the Bulldogs, 11-6, but walked seven and committed two errors.

UMBC returns home to host Maryland Eastern Shore on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. to kick-off a six-game home stand.