Flushing, N.Y. - The middle of the order produced without hesitation, but the Adelphi University baseball team still fell 4-2 at the hands of Queens College Tuesday at Hennekens Stadium in Flushing.

That heart of the lineup helped the Panthers (20-18) jump out to what was a 2-0 first-inning lead on the road.

Greyson Pizzonia has found a fit as Adelphi's lead-off hitter. Reaching first safely after being plunked to start the game, Pizzonia successfully stole second the ensuing at-bat to quickly put a runner in scoring position for the 'Cats.

Now the conference's RBI leader, Joe Pellegrino -- batting a remarkable .419 to-date -- delivered the RBI double that staked his team to an early 1-0 advantage. Pellegrino sits only one point behind the league's current batting leader, Louis Gendron (.420) of Saint Rose.

Pellegrino is the first Panther to post an over-.400 batting average this deep into a season since Matt Alifano's All-America campaign of 2022.

Queens (25-14) fell into an early 2-0 hole, but threatened against Adelphi starter Steven Proko from the start. 

The Knights eventually took the lead in the third, due in part to defensive blunders. A wild pitch by Cam Letourneau with the bases loaded had Queens in front for good.

As the hosts yielded to their bullpen, Adelphi only succeeded in putting two runners in scoring position after the opening inning.

The Panthers now prepare for a crucial three-game series against University of New Haven. The two teams will play three nine-inning games, beginning Friday (Apr. 26) at 3 p.m. from William J. Bonomo Memorial Field in Garden City.