GASTONIA. N.C. -- The Staten Island FerryHawks went toe to toe with first-place Gastonia Friday night, but the home squad broke a 4-4 deadlock in the home seventh to come away with a 5-4 Atlantic League victory before 2,137 fans at CaroMont Health Park.

The FerryHawks dropped to 14-27, while Gastonia, first place in the loop's South Division, improved to 30-13.

Staten Island came out of the gates fast, scoring two runs in the top off the first when Ricardo Cespedes smashed an RBI double and then later scored.

Gastonia bounced back quickly in the bottom of the inning, when right-fielder Zach Jarrett hit a two-run home run off FerryHawk starter Michael Byrne. The Honey Hunters scored another in the fourth and another in the fifth on Jarrett's second home run of the game.

The FerryHawks rallied and tied the game in the top of the seventh when Roldani Baldwin smashed a two-run home run to right field, scoring Jack Elliot.

But Gastonia would strike back quickly, taking the lead on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the seventh against reliever Alex Katz to go up 5-4.

Recently acquired Edgar Santana, former Yankee prospect, came into pitch a scoreless eighth inning for the FerryHawks.

The two teams play again Saturday night.

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NOTES: The FerryHawks return home on June 20 after a three-game series against Gastonia. On Saturday, June 24, the FerryHawks are set to kick-off summer with their "Kick-Off To Summer Celebration Game" followed by their first post-game firework show of the season.