All things considered, Grillo's counterpart, Harvard starter Ben Crockett (3-2), did not pitch badly before giving way to freshman hurler Brendan Reed after the rain delay. But Harvard's defensive lapses did not help Crockett's case.

In the fifth inning, a throwing error by Crimson third baseman Nick Carter and a fly ball that was dropped by senior right fielder Jeff Bridich helped spark a three-run Brown rally.

"The weather may have gotten in our heads our little bit," Franey said. "Guys aren't used to playing in this weather. It was almost like we were expecting something bad to happen."

In addition to physical errors, mental mistakes also plagued the Crimson during the game.

With Harvard leading 1-0 in the top of the second inning, Crockett hit Bears first baseman Shaun Gallagher with a pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs.

Brown left fielder Darren Merten then stroked a single through the hole between first and second and into right field. Bridich gathered up the roller and gunned a throw home for a possible play at the plate on the Bears' lead runner.

Franey, however, cut off the throw and the tying run scored. This miscue prevented Harvard from holding the early lead.