Myrtle Beach, S.C. - In its 2023 debut, the Adelphi University baseball team dropped a tough 6-5 decision to Post University in non-conference action at the Northeast Challenge in Myrtle Beach.

A controversial eighth-inning play turned the tide in Post's favor.

Trailing 4-3 with one out, the plate umpire ruled a 2-0 count for Post's D.J. Caron, until an appeal brought to the officials' attention resulted in Caron's awarding of first base on a hit by pitch.

After being sacrificed over to second, Post's Danny Gill took the first pitch from Coleton Reitan down the third-base line for the game-tying hit. Two batters later, CACC First Team All-Star Robert Olah delivered a go-ahead, two-RBI double to right.

Now in a two-run hole, Adelphi was forced to claw back. Down to the game's final out, Kyle Olson tripled down the left-field line to bring the tying run to the plate. Johnny Catuosco then lined a hit up the middle that got the Panthers (0-1) within a run at 6-5.

Graduate outfielder Tim Feliz drew out a long at-bat, before ultimately flying out to center to end the game.

While both pitchers each allowed three runs over the first three innings, the two starters eventually settled in. Reigning NE10 Southwest Division Rookie Pitcher of the Year John Rizzo left the game after the sixth, retiring nine straight.

Catuosco drove in a pair of runs on Opening Day, while Olson went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI out of the lead-off spot. Freshman third baseman Albert Ramos picked up his first collegiate hit, as well.

Adelphi's visit to the Northeast Challenge continues tomorrow (Feb. 25) with a 4:30 p.m. doubleheader against regional foe The College of Staten Island.