OLD WESTBURY, NY - The Iona College baseball team dropped a 6-5 decision to NYIT in non-conference action at Lorenzo Field. The Bears scored three runs in their final two turns at bat to overtake the Gaels.

Iona put up a four spot in the opening frame. A two-run, bases loaded double by rookie catcher Alex Beckett played sophomore SS Vinny DeMaria and senior CF Joe Torres to start the rally. Sophomore DH Travis Mistretta drove in the third run after reaching on an error. With the bases loaded again and one out, rookie 3B Tyler Bruno walked on five pitches as the Gaels led 4-0 after a half inning.

NYIT got three back in their half of the first inning with three unearned runs off sophomore LHP John Nargoski.

Iona earned its fifth run of the contest in the top of the third. Bruno drove in Beckett with an RBI fielder's choice.

In the bottom of the seventh NYIT knotted the score at 5-5. A two out RBI double by C Nick Sebastian led to the tie. An unearned run with two outs in the bottom of the eighth gave the home team the lead for good.

For the second straight day, Beckett was the offensive star. He was 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, two RBI. Torres had two hits with a double and a run scored. Bruno also recorded two RBI and senior RF Joe Smith was 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Nargoski tossed five innings and allowed five hits and no earned runs. Freshman RHP Vinny Martin took the loss in two innings of relief. Sophomore LHP Andrew Pucillo earned three outs in the eighth inning.

The Gaels are back in action Saturday when they host Niagara at City Park.