Springfield, Mass. – Down by four runs early on, visiting Clark University couldn't mount a game-winning comeback, dropping a 4-3 decision to New England Women's And Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) baseball contest to Springfield College on Tuesday afternoon.

The Pride, which is making a push towards postseason play, improves to 9-11, 6-8 in league play, while Clark dropped to 7-19, 1-11.

Springfield erupted in the first inning scoring all four of their runs. Kyle DiFranco got the offense rolling as he singled then advanced to second on a wild throw by the catcher. Sean Smith ripped a single driving in DiFranco and then Mike McGowan scored on the throwing error. Brent Poulin would later hammer a double down the left field line to score Smith, before Jared Hopkins drove in a Poulin with a single of his own.

The Cougars started to chip away at the lead, scoring its first run in the fourth. Michael Eglow (Delmar, N.Y.) led off the frame with a single and scored thanks to a two-out single by Mitch DeLorenzo (Berlin, Conn.) to center.

Clark added another run with two outs in the fifth, with Eglow producing a run-scoring single to left, plating Nicholas O'Brien (Potomac, Md.), who had previously reached on an error.

Things got interesting in the seventh, with Eglow starting another key rally with a two-out single. With the bases loaded, Brian Sullivan (Auburn, Mass.) ripped a single to left, scoring O'Brien from third. However, DiFranco came up with a game-saving throw, gunning out Eglow at the plate to keep the hosts in front for good.

Springfield starting pitcher Travis Lane had another strong inning as went seven innings, giving up eight hits and three runs while striking out four batters. Reliever Peter Baranski, came in and threw two scoreless innings to recorded his first save of the season.

Opposing pitcher Michael Mainuli (Glastonbury, Conn.) suffered the loss going 6.2 innings giving up five hits and four runs while striking out five batters. Eglow and DeLorenzo both recorded three hits and a RBI in the loss.

Clark is back in action on Friday when they host league rival Babson at 3:30 p.m.