VERO BEACH, Fla.—The Norwich University baseball team opened its 2013 season with consecutive losses in Vero Beach, Fla.

The Cadets pushed Richard Stockton (N.J.) to the brink in game one, falling 3-2. The Ospreys (6-4) were coming off a win over No. 12 Keystone just two weeks ago.

Norwich got the scoring started in the top of the first inning after senior Dustin Shimkus (Collinsville, Ill.) sparked a two-out rally with a single to center. He advanced to third on a bouncing-ball single to the right side by freshman Billy Whaley (Northfield, Vt.). The two then successfully executed a double steal with Shimkus taking home and Whaley taking second to put Norwich up 1-0.

The Ospreys answered against Whaley in the bottom half of the frame, scoring two runs on a pair of walks and a single.

Stockton added one more against Whaley in the second inning before senior Brad Hudson (Eugene, Ore.) and junior Scott Yashinski (Kintnersville, Pa.) combined for five scoreless innings. Whaley finished his collegiate debut allowing the three runs on just three hits. He added three strikeouts.

Norwich threatened throughout the game but suffered from baserunning woes, as the Cadets had two runners caught stealing and another picked off.

The Maroon and Gold scored its second run in the top of the fifth when senior Sam Philbrook (Rochester, Mass.) and junior Charles Schaub (East Hampton, Conn.) singled before sophomore Brandon Place (Concord, N.H.) laced a single into left field scoring Philbrook.

Norwich's last chance for a rally came in the eighth inning when Whaley was retired with the tying run at second.

Game Two:

Norwich struggled from the gate in game two against Wesley College (Del.). Norwich's pitchers combined to issue nine free passes en route to falling 20-1.

Freshman Brian Baker (Keene, N.H.) led the way with two hits and the Cadets lone RBI while Schaub added two more singles.

Yashinksi appeared for two more innings and hurled two more scoreless frames.

Freshman Jacob Muetterties (Boxford, Mass.) suffered the loss.

Norwich will be back in action tomorrow at 10 a.m. against Northwestern (Minn.)

                                                                --CADETS--