SLIPPERY ROCK — Seneca Valley graduate Nate Malak got the start on the mound Tuesday for Slippery Rock University, striking out four in three shutout innings.

But The Rock baseball team went on to drop a 3-2 decision to Charleston at Critchfield Park. Robert Herr took the loss for SRU (13-7), allowing two unearned runs in two innings.

Cam Panyko Morris had two of The Rock’s six hits on the day. Michael Kitko, Steve Budash, Brandon Butler and Robby Barrientos all had one hit.

SRU returns to action Friday, hosting Indiana (Pa.) for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Friday. The teams play another twinbill at 1 p.m. Saturday at IUP.