East Providence, R.I. -- The Johnson & Wales University baseball team dropped a tough 9-8 decision against Mitchell in a non-conference contest at Pierce Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Mitchell took the early 3-0 lead on a three run home run by sophomore Ethan Graynor (Leonia, N.J.) in the top of the first. JWU responded in the bottom of the inning, closing the gap to 3-2 on a two-run single by sophomore Zach Boyes (West Warwick, R.I.). The visiting Mariners extended their lead to 5-2 in the top of the second with a pair of unearned runs. Once again, the Wildcats responded in the bottom of the frame and knotted the score at 5-5 after a two-run double by junior Nick Alosco (Mahopac, N.Y.) and an RBI double by junior Teddy Katz (Pittsburgh, Pa.). Mitchell regained the lead in the top of the fourth on an RBI single by freshman Connor Rochefort (Dayville, Conn.) and took the 7-5 lead on a solo home run by junior John McGarry (Waterford, Conn.). JWU again tied the score at 7-7 in the bottom of the fifth after a two run home run by senior Jonathan Melendez (Providence, R.I.). Graynor's two-run double in the top of the sixth put Mitchell ahead 9-7 and JWU cut the lead to 9-8 in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Melendez. The Wildcats threatened in the bottom of the ninth, but couldn't push a run across as Mitchell held on for the one run victory.

Graynor was 3-for-5 with five RBI for Mitchell with Rochefort was 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI for the Mariners. Graynor also recorded the save for Mitchell, pitching two innings of scoreless relief.

Katz went 4-for-5 with two runs and an RBI for Johnson & Wales while Melendez went 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBI in the setback for the Wildcats. Alsoco had two hits, two runs and two RBI for JWU.

With the loss Johnson & Wales falls to 3-17 while Mitchell improves to 5-5 for the season. The Wildcats will return to action on Thursday, April 1st when they host Salve Regina for a non-conference contest at 3:15 p.m.