FT. PIERCE, Florida -- Despite a mid-game offensive surge and a multi-hit performance, the Heidelberg University Baseball team's comeback efforts fell short in an 11-6 loss to Gettysburg as they couldn't overcome a series of defensive miscues and early deficits. With the loss, Heidelberg moves to 6-4 on the season. 

The Student Princes found themselves in an early hole as the Bullets capitalized on walks and Heidelberg's miscues. After a scoreless first, Gettysburg put up two runs in the second. The lead doubled in the third after a muffed throw opened the door for another two-run double, both of which were unearned. 

Gettysburg added two more in the fourth, stretching the lead to 6-0. 

Heidelberg found its rhythm at the top of the fifth, erupting for four runs to claw back into the game. The rally started with a Simeon Betts triple, followed by an RBI single from Sam Schneider. The momentum carried on as Grant Bomer doubled to put two runners in scoring position, Braedy Limke delivered a clutch two-run single to left field. Logan Winstead capped the inning with an RBI single to right field, cutting the deficit 6-4. 

The comeback effort stalled as Gettysburg answered with two runs in the sixth. Heidelberg didn't go out quietly, as Garret Labeau smoked a two-run double in the seventh to make it 8-6.

However, the struggles defensively returned in the bottom of the seventh. A throwing error on a sacrifice bunt and another wild pitch allowed two more runs to cross the plate, making it 10-6. Gettysburg added an insurance run in the eighth inning, pushing the lead to 11-6. Then a quiet 1-2-3 at bats for Heidelberg sealed the deal in the top of the ninth. 

The Student Princes return to action Thursday at 1 pm, against the United States Merchant Marine Academy.