FERRUM, Va. – The Bates baseball team opened its 2025 campaign with an offensive showcase but came up short in a 15-9 loss to Ferrum Friday at Panther Field. Despite a strong performance at the plate, the Bobcats (0-1) couldn't overcome a seven-run fifth inning from the host Panthers (1-3).

Junior second baseman, Ben Genser, led the charge for Bates, going 4-for-5 with four RBI, while LF Jack Margiloff and SS Gibby Sullivan each collected two hits, including a pair of run-inducing extra-base hits that kept the Bobcats in striking distance.

Bates jumped ahead 3-2 in the third inning, sparked by Genser's two-run single and an RBI hit from RF Brandon Biggane. After Ferrum regained the lead with a three-run fourth, Bates responded in the fifth when Sullivan doubled home Margiloff, followed by a sacrifice fly from designated hitter, Brennan Kelley, to even the game at 7-7.

However, the Panthers erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the fifth, capitalizing on timely hitting and a pair of wild pitches to take control for good.

On the mound, junior John Tully got the Opening Day start for Bates, allowing seven runs on seven hits over 3.1 innings for the no-decision. The Bobcats used four pitchers in total, with senior Christopher McGrail finishing the game with 2.1 solid innings of relief, allowing just one run.

Bates added two more runs in the eighth on Margiloff's RBI double, but Ferrum's bullpen shut the door in the ninth to seal the win.

The Bobcats will look to bounce back on Saturday when they play two vs. the Panthers, commencing at 1:00 p.m.