UNION, N.J.  -- The Gwynedd Mercy University Baseball team started their 2016 season on the road at fifth-ranked Kean University on Saturday afternoon, but fell, 12-2, to the Cougars.

The Griffins opened up the first inning scoring two runs, to take an early lead. Freshman Jimmy Pisani led off the game with a walk and proceeded to steal second and take third on a catcher throwing error. Pisani would later score on a wild pitch to give Gwynedd their first run of the season. Senior David Blount would follow suit with a single up the middle and take second base on a steal as well. Freshman Dave Tatoian would plate Blount for the Griffins first RBI on the year with his single.

Sophomore starting pitcher Mike Di Ianni held Kean scoreless in the top of the first, retiring the side in order. However the Cougars would tie the game in the bottom of the second when Tyler Heisch knocked in two runs with a two-out single.

Kean would break the game open in the bottom of the third, scoring six runs all on two outs for an 8-2 advantage.

Freshman pitcher Gino Tripodi worked the Griffins out of a fourth inning jam and threw a scoreless fifth for a solid two innings of work out of the bullpen.

The Griffins were unable to get much offense going with only three batters reaching base throughout the remainder of the game.

Kean was able to tack on insurance runs with three in the sixth and one in the seventh to account for the final score.

Tatoian finished 2-for-4 at the plate with Pisani, Blount and Justin Curtin each recording a hit as well for GMercyU.

Tripodi finished with a strikeout while Pat Ryder recorded a strikeout while also working a scoreless inning of relief work.

The Griffins return back to action next weekend when they travel to St. Mary's College of Maryland on Sunday for a scheduled doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.