Wayne State could not overcome a six-run first inning by Point Park (Pa.) as the Pioneers defeated the Wildcats 9-5 at the RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational held in Davenport, Florida Sunday afternoon.  The Wildcats drop to 3-8 while Point Park moves to 8-4 on the season.
            After WSC opened the game leaving two runners on base in the top of the first, Point Park erupted for six runs on four hits, a walk, hit batter and Wildcat error to take the early advantage.
            The Wildcats got two runs back in the third as Noah Strizek singled and scored on a Max Heard RBI groundout followed by an RBI single by Taylor Gill that brought home Chase Douglas (fielder's choice) to make the score 6-2.
            The Pioneers increased their lead to 7-2 in the bottom of the fifth, but Wayne State mounted a rally with three runs in the sixth to cut the deficit to 7-5. 
            Quinn McCafferty walked to start the inning and later scored on a groundout by Strizek.  Kaden Young and Nate Cunningham each singled with both players scoring on a Cam Madsen single to center field.
            Point Park added two insurance runs in the seventh to make the final score 9-5.
            The Pioneers had one more hit than WSC 12-11.  Madsen was 3 for 4 with two RBI followed by Cunningham going 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and one run scored.  Young and Gill each singled twice. 
            Starting pitcher Conlin Grady (0-1) was tagged with the loss, charged with six runs in 1/3 inning work allowing four hits.  Keinan Lentell worked three scoreless innings of relief followed by senior lefthander Jacob Kneifl pitching 1 2/3 innings and charged with one run.  Clement Febus (two innings) and Braden Cannon (one inning) also worked in relief for the Wildcats.
            Wayne State battles Wayne State (Michigan) on Monday at 2:45 p.m. at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational.