The Charger baseball team dropped a tight pitcher's duel Friday afternoon, falling 3-1 to New College of Florida at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida.

The Cliff struck first in the opening inning when Cade Marquardt single drove in Raenan Padilla for an early 1-0 lead.

The Banyans tied the game in the fourth on a Brodie Whitlock RBI groundout, then broke through in the eighth. Fernando Espinal delivered a go-ahead RBI single before Andrew Merchant was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another run and extend the lead to 3-1.

Marquardt led Briar Cliff offensively, finishing two-for-three with the team's lone RBI. Padilla added a hit and scored the Chargers' only run.

On the mound, Nick Hays turned in a strong start, allowing one run on seven hits across six innings. Johnny Reed took the loss after surrendering two runs in relief. Caleb Geisler struck out one in ? scoreless innings to close the game.

The Chargers move to 2-4, and will return to action tomorrow, as they take on College of New Florida in a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. EST at IMG Academy.