Crimson junior righthander John Birtwell turned in a solid starting performance, scattering five hits through the first eight innings of work, but ran into trouble in the top of the ninth.

With one man on and one out, Birtwell surrendered a walk and an infield hit that loaded the bases for Brown.

Harvard Coach Joe Walsh then made the decision to pull Birtwell in favor of Lennon, who entered yesterday's game having allowed ten earned runs in 11.2 innings on the season.

"I thought Birtwell pitched well the entire game," sophomore shorthstop Mark Mager said. "It was too bad we couldn't close it out for him."

Lennon was greeted by Brown catcher Greg Metzger, who chopped an innocent roller right in front of home plate. The ball died right in front of Lennon, who fired home to try for the force play at the plate.

The throw, however, went wide of sophomore catcher Brian Lentz, allowing Brown to score the tying and go-ahead runs.

"Derek made the right decision throwing home," said Mager. "It was the aggressive play, but it was a tough ball to pick up and throw."

The Bears padded their lead with two more runs that innning before Lennon was finally able to retire the side.