DEERFIELD, Ill. – A ninth-inning rally put the visitors in front, as Trinity International dropped the first of a three-game set to the St. Ambrose Bees on Friday afternoon. The Bees overcame a four-run deficit over the final two innings, using a three-run 9th to take the opener.

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Second baseman Justin VanderNaald had a career day at the plate, driving in five RBI despite the loss. The Lombard, Ill. native also hit his first career home run, a two-run shot to left in the 6th inning that put the Trojans (16-17-1, 6-10-1 CCAC) in front 6-2.

A.J. Bruner put up a solid performance on the hill, striking out seven while walking one over eight innings. After giving up base hits to the first two players in the top of the first, Bruner settled in, retiring 13 straight batters before the Bees reached base again in the top of the 5th.

The Bees (19-22, 13-8 CCAC) took an early 1-0 lead after a leadoff triple and RBI single, but Trinity would move in front in the bottom of the 2nd. VanderNaald worked a full count before slapping a two-out single to right, driving home Scott Krawiec and Michael Balistreri. RBI singles from VanderNaald and Colt Foerch extended Trinity's lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the 4th, again with two outs on the board.

Two misplays in the top of the 8th helped St. Ambrose score twice in the 8th, and a sacrifice fly in the 9th made it a one-run game, 6-5, with two outs. SAU's Greg Wymer doubled to center, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs. Trinity put the tying run on base in the bottom of the 9th with Adam Gomski's leadoff walk, but a double play ended the rally.

VanderNaald's five RBI marks a new season high for the Trojans, as three players have previously put up 4-RBI performances. Shortstop Jeff Lindberg's reached-base streak extends to 29 consecutive games, with a 1st-inning single.

The Trojans and Bees will meet again tomorrow, with a doubleheader at the TIU Baseball Field starting at 1:00 p.m.