PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - Michigan scored three times in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the Iona College baseball team in the four-game series opener between the two squads at the New York Mets spring training facility, Tradition Field. 

The Gaels (1-3) rallied from a 6-0 deficit to knot the score at 6-6 in the top of the seventh frame. The Maroon & Gold scored all four of its sixth inning runs with two outs to get on the scoreboard. With two on, and a 1-0 count, senior James Beck blasted a three-run home run that cleared the batter's eye in dead center field. It was his second home run of the young season. 

After a Matthew Kriss single was followed by an error to put two-on, Rookie Matt Hratko drove in his first collegiate run to make the score 6-4 after five and a half innings.

Iona tacked on two more in the next inning, with Beck driving in both with a two-run double down the left field line.

Michigan's big blow in the bottom of the seventh was a one-out, two-run triple by OF Will Drake.'

Beck and Kriss collected two hits a piece with Beck driving in five of Iona's six runs scored. Sophomores Joe Smith and Bobby Vitulano each reached base twice with a hit and a walk.

Sophomore Eddie Macaluso allowed five runs in four innings in a no-decision.  Senior Derrick Bligh (0-1) took the loss in middle relief.  Senior Conan finished the final two innings and allowed one hit.

The two teams continue play tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 11 am at Tradition Field #5.