Staten Island, N.Y. — Despite leading 3-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Connecticut Tigers could not hold on against the Staten Island Yankees, falling 5-4 Wednesday night in a New York-Penn League game at Richmond County Ballpark.

The loss puts a major dent in the Tigers' playoff chances with Staten Island leading Connecticut for a wild-card spot by 2.5 games with just five remaining.

The Tigers got off to a solid start, grabbing a run in three of the first four innings to take a 3-1 lead. Tanner Donnels (3-for-4, 2 RBI) drove in a run with a double in the second and another with a single in the fourth.

The Tigers received a solid performance from left-hander Locke St. John, who pitched 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and one earned run. St. John dealt with traffic on the bases all night long but was able to maneuver around most of it to keep the Tigers ahead 3-2.

In the eighth, John Schreiber could not hold off the Yankees, giving up a hit, two walks and an error in the outfield leading to a run. The Yankees were able to push across three runs and take a 5-3 lead.

Connecticut fought back in the top of the ninth, loading the bases with nobody out. Danny Woodrow picked up an RBI fielder’s choice to make it a 5-4 game and move the tying run to third. But a Danny Pinero strikeout and Jacob Robson groundout ended the game.

Connecticut got solid offensive performances from Donnels, Josh Lester (2-for-3, triple, RBI) and Junnell Ledezma (2-for-4).

Up next for the Tigers is a five-game homestand at Dodd Stadium with the Lowell Spinners coming to town for a three-game set Thursday.