AVON LAKE, Fla. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn baseball team opened play at the Warner Invitational with two games Thursday in Avon Lake, Fla.

The Wolverines dropped a close contest with the University of St. Francis (Ill.) 4-3 in the first game of the day. Spring Arbor University jumped out to an early lead in the second game and topped UM-Dearborn 15-7.

The results drop UM-Dearborn to 7-6-1 overall with two more games scheduled for Friday.

Against USF, the Wolverines fell behind 4-1 after two innings. UM-Dearborn battled back with two runs in the fifth as Justin Dolney hit a two-run double to cut the Saint lead to one. The Wolverines were unable to come away with the tying run as USF held on for the win in seven innings.

Andrew Capone finished with two hits, while Shaun Hannibal added a hit and two runs scored. Cameron Winn got the start on the mound for the Wolverines, allowing four runs on six hits in 2.2 innings. Ramiro Rodriguez pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing two hits and striking out three.

Spring Arbor jumped out to a 6-1 lead after four innings and put the game away with six runs in the seventh. Hannibal was the lone Wolverine with multiple hits, finishing with two, including a double while adding a run scored and an RBI. Antonio Carta recorded two RBIs, while Dolney added his second double of the day.

Cameron Tubbs got the start on the mound and took the loss, going two innings, allowing three runs on three hits, while walking four.

The Wolverines take on Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 9:30 am Friday before facing host Warner University at 6:30 pm.