The Violets fought hard Wednesday but were unable to pull off a late comeback against the SUNY Maritime Privateers, taking a 10-8 loss. The defeat at Privateers’ Reinhart Park drops the Violets’ overall record to 5-9 in the team’s first season in 41 years.

Freshman pitcher Chase Denison got the start for the Violets but lasted only two innings, giving up four runs on four hits while striking out three. Coming into the game, Denison had walked 17 batters in 18 2/3 innings, and the control struggles continued Wednesday with three wild pitches and a hit batsman. Denison left the game with the Violets down 4-0 but ended up receiving a no-decision.

“Pounding the zone consistently has been successful for all pitchers we’ve faced no matter how hard you throw,” Denison said. “I’m looking forward to filling up the zone more with first pitch strikes.”

Denison also emphasized how important it is that the team is receiving contributions from up and down the lineup. Freshman outfielder David Wagner, who went one for four with a double and an RBI, echoed Denison’s positive outlook.

“Everyone on this team can hit,” Wagner said. “No matter where we are in the order we can have confidence that someone’s going to hit the ball hard. It’s a simple game. We just go up there and try to hit the ball hard every time.”

Despite trailing early, the Violets battled back with a five-run breakout in the fifth inning, tying the game at 6-6. Sophomore catcher CJ Picerni, who got the start as designated hitter, cracked his second home run of the year and currently leads the Violets in the category.

Picerni stressed the importance of sticking to the basics.

“Just being tough outs and making every at bat count,” Picerni said. “You put the ball in play and good things will happen.”

Coming in to pitch in the bottom of the fifth, junior Jacob Bader surrendered a solo shot to  Privateers third baseman Brian McLaughlin, which proved to be the nail in the coffin. The Privateers then tacked on two more runs in the seventh and another in the eighth. Bader has been solid in relief this year, entering the game with a 2.57 ERA, but ultimately took his first loss of the season.

The Violets nearly managed some late-game magic, scoring a run in the top of the ninth and putting a runner on third with the tying run on first base. The team stranded three runners in the final two innings of the game.

“We just need to stay positive,” Picerni said of the loss. “It’s always tough losing close games. We need to bounce back and play like we know how to play.”

The Violets take on Brandeis University in a double header for their home opener at noon this Saturday at MCU Park in Brooklyn.

A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, March 26 print edition. Email Alex Bazeley at [email protected].