ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Iona baseball team suffered a 7-4 loss to the Naval Academy on Friday afternoon. The Gaels were led by junior LF Andrew Passerelle, who had two hits including a home run.

Iona got on the board quickly with a two-run first inning. Rookie RF Matthew Simone hit the first pitch he saw to left for a leadoff single. Two batters later,  Passerelle launched an 0-1 pitch to left to give the Gaels the early lead.

Following three and four run innings by the Midshipmen, Iona attempted to get itself back in the game with two run scoring innings. In the sixth inning, Freshman SS Eric Capowski led off with a single. After a one-out walk to Passerelle, sophomore 1B Chris Griffin drove Capowski home with a single to center field.

In the seventh inning, Capowski tripled to left center to drive in freshman CF Dean Dignelli. Dignelli reached base on a one out single.

Junior William Dorsa started the game for the Gaels. Sophomore pitcher Matthew Casino pitched 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, scattering just two hits.

Iona returns to the diamond tomorrow morning to take on Central Connecticut State. First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 am.