The Case Western Reserve University struggled to string together hits on Friday afternoon in a 5-3 loss to Brandeis University to begin a four-game series at Nobby's Ballpark in Cleveland, Ohio.
The loss dropped the Spartans to 20-12 overall on the season, including a 5-6 mark in the University Athletic Association. Brandeis raised its record to 14-17 on the year with a 2-11 UAA ledger.
Brandeis starter Greg Tobin stymied the Spartans' bats, holding Case Western Reserve to just two hits over his seven innings of work. After Brandeis scored a run in the first inning, the Spartans evened the score without a hit in the bottom of the frame, loading the bases on a walk and two hit batters, and scoring on a sacrifice fly by senior Tyler Wypiszenski.