Myrtle Beach, S.C. - The first win of 2024 is officially in the books for the Adelphi University baseball team, after Saturday's split of a non-conference doubleheader with Mercy University at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach.

Game 1: Adelphi 3, Mercy 5

The 'Cats capitalized on opportunity early. With two outs and the bags full, Jack Wishner laced a three-RBI bases-clearing triple that opened up a 3-0 first-inning advantage for the Panthers.

A pair of walks set up another two-out bases-loaded opportunity for Adelphi in the third, but Albert Ramos' flyout kept them stranded in what was then a two-run game at the time.

Mercy eventually tied the score on its second turn through the order, and by the third go-around, Zac Ashline's two-run homer had the Mavericks leading in the seventh.

With nine outs left, Adelphi was kept out of scoring position, although the 'Cats brought the tying run to the plate in each of their final three turns at-bat.

While Jacob Dannenberg took the loss in relief, Brendan Kenneally -- a reigning NE10 All-Rookie Team pitcher -- fanned five across 5.1 innings, in his first start of 2024,

Game 2: Adelphi 12, Mercy 5 - 7 Innings
As the two teams played a seven-inning contest in the nightcap, Dawson Montesa took the hill for his first collegiate start for the Brown and Gold.

The freshman hurler let up just two earned runs in five innings, to go along with five strikeouts. Fellow freshman Cam Letourneau turned in a scoreless inning of relief in his first collegiate outing.

Much like the opener, the 'Cats came out of the gate strong, dropping a four-spot on the scoreboard in the first. In unconventional fashion, Greyson Pizzonia and Jack Wishner both reached second and third in the inning on a wild pitch, before Michael Robinson opened the scoring with his first-ever collegiate hit -- an RBI double.

Adelphi chased Mercy starter Ryan Dieguez early and the rout was on. The Mavericks sent seven pitchers to the bump in Game Two -- five of whom allowed a run.

A five-run fifth -- sparked by a pair of RBI walks with the bases loaded -- opened the floodgates on what was initially a 7-4 game at the start of the inning.

Robinson and Anthony Rigogliosi each made their first-ever starts, while fellow freshmen Evan Carway, Erick Duignan, Justin Wilkinson and Ethan Snyder were all summoned for pinch-hit appearances.

Head Coach Bill Ianniciello and the Panthers continue their Myrtle Beach visit tomorrow (Feb. 25), with a 3 p.m. first pitch against University of Bridgeport.