Franklin, Ind. - Senior Joe Ardizzone (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli) collected three hits, but it was not enough as the Franklin College baseball team lost 5-2 to Hope College on Friday to begin a three-game series from John P. McDowell Field.

Trailing 4-0 in the sixth inning, the Grizzlies (3-5) scored two runs on two hits and received two fielding errors. Freshman Jordan Clark (Connersville, Ind./Connersville) hit a double to score senior Drew Kammerer (Fortville, Ind./Mt. Vernon) for the first run of the frame. A fielding error on a ground ball by Ardizzone allowed Clark to score and cut the deficit to 4-2.

However, a strikeout and a fielder's choice with the bases loaded ended the threat in the inning.

Hope (1-0) scored an unearned run in the ninth inning to cap the game's scoring.

The Flying Dutchmen scored one run each in the third and fifth innings before tallying two runs in the sixth inning to take a 4-0 lead.

Ardizzone led the team's offensive attack by going 3-for-4 and reaching during all four plate appearances. Kammerer added two hits, while freshman Tanner Nicholson (Greencastle, Ind./Greencastle) and Clark each had one hit from the top of the batting order.

Senior Jordan Brown (Jimtown, Ind./Jimtown) recorded four strikeouts and allowed one unearned run in 3.2 innings in relief.

The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday, March 11, starting at noon from John P. McDowell Field.