Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Max Carney's bunt single.

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - - Missed opportunities early in the game cost the Wilmington University baseball team as American International came back late to earn the victory, 7-4, on Sunday afternoon at Barry University.

The Wildcats (1-4) scored early and held a 2-0 lead through five and a half before the Yellow Jackets (1-4) scored twice in the sixth and then broke it open with a five-run eighth inning. The Wildcats loaded the bases in the ninth inning and scored twice, but the game ended with the tying run at the plate.

The Wildcats got on the board in the top of the first inning as freshman Max Carney got on base with a one-out single. Standing on second after a stolen base, Christian Adorno singled through the left side and Carney beat the throw to the plate for the early, 1-0, lead.

Adorno again started things in the fourth with a leadoff single for the Wildcats. An error moved Adorno over to third base with one out and Dan Hyatt came up with a two-out infield single to score Adorno and give the Wildcats an early 2-0 lead.

Senior Jay Kluka provided another solid outing on Sunday, not allowing a hit until the sixth inning. The right-hander struck out the side in the second inning, and then shut down the Yellow Jackets in order in the third. Kluka retired nine straight batters before hitting a batter with two outs in the fourth, but got out of the inning with the next batter. The senior also set the Yellow Jackets down in order in the fifth.

Kluka had two outs with two runners on before a walk loaded the bases. AIC quickly tied the game with a single into left center as a pair of unearned runs came across. Zach Rumford came on and picked off a would be base stealer to get out of the jam.

An error started an eighth inning rally for AIC, as the error and a ensuing triple that landed on the right field foul line gave the Yellow Jackets the 3-2 lead. An RBI single and then a bases loaded double that cleared the runners all of a sudden put the Jackets ahead, 7-2.

The Wildcats rallied in the top of the ninth, loading the bases without recording an out. Kendall Small brought in the innings' first run with a single through the right side. Now with one out and the bases loaded, Julian Kurych reached on a fielder's choice but brought another run. But AIC got a game ending fly ball to right to get out of trouble.

Carney led the Wildcats with three hits, going 3-for-4 with a run scored. Adorno finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored while Rocky Ferrier batted 2-for-4.

American International starter Colin Sledzik went the distance for the win, giving up one earned run while striking out three Wildcats.

The Wildcats have another shot at the Yellow Jackets as the two teams return to action on Monday morning. The game will be played at Lynn University with first pitch set for 10 a.m.