Crestview Hills, Ky. - The Franklin College baseball team recorded its second highest offensive output of the season in Monday's 20-13 non-conference loss at Thomas More College. The Grizzlies tallied 14 hits in the contest.

Thomas More used a six-run second inning to grab an early 7-1 lead. The visitors chipped away at the deficit behind a two-run single by senior Jameson Brock (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) in the third inning. Franklin scored three times in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 7-6.

The Saints took a 12-7 lead following a four-run fifth inning. Franklin would tie the game, 12-12, by scoring five runs in the top of the sixth inning. A fielding error allowed the first two runs to score in the inning. Junior Jason Simpkins (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) followed with a single to score sophomore Jacob Troxell (Lapel, Ind./Lapel). Senior Mitch Frey (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo) tied the game with a two-run single that allowed freshman Bo Stewart (Brazil, Ind./Northview) and Simpkins to score.

However, Thomas More regained the lead behind an eight-run bottom half of the sixth inning. It was a lead the hosts would never relinquish.

In the eighth inning, Frey singled home junior Chase Steinbrunner (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) to bring Franklin within 20-13.

Individually, Frey led the offensive attack going 4-for-6 with four runs batted in. Junior Braden Pelley (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North) collected two hits and scored two runs. Freshman Jackson Freed (Westfield, Ind./Westfield), Steinbrunner, and Simpkins also recorded two hits. Stewart scored three runs in the contest.

Thomas More's Donovan Pogue went 4-for-6 with six RBI and three runs scored. Ben Kenning added three hits and drove in four runs.

Franklin returns to action when it hosts Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology on Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m. from John P. McDowell Field. The game will be the Grizzlies' Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference home opener. Live statistics of the game will be available HERE.