MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's baseball team dug itself an early 7-0 hole against Midwest Conference leader Lawrence and dropped the opener of the three-game set, 13-7, Friday night at Ash Park Field.
 
The Rams (9-7 overall, 1-3 MWC) look to bounce back against Lawrence (12-6 overall, 4-0 MWC) Saturday in a doubleheader at noon in Mount Vernon.
 
Trailing 10-1 through 5 1/2 innings, Cornell made a game of it and pulled within 10-7 after scoring four times in the bottom of the seventh, highlighted by Colin Whelan's two-run double.
 
Cornell's comeback stalled when Lawrence struck three times in the ninth that provided the final margin.
 
Leadoff man Seth Beals paced Cornell's 11-hit attack, going 3-for-5 with a run for his eighth multi-hit game of the season. Esteban Perez and Vince Zipperer had two hits apiece, including a double. Grant Cwick also doubled and drove in a run.
 
Right-hander Carson King pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the Rams, striking out four. Cornell left 11 runners on base and gave up four unearned runs.  
 
Cleanup hitter Jacob Charon went 4-for-5 with five RBIs to lead Lawrence, which finished with 11 hits.