Box Score

Demorest, GA - Piedmont came away with a huge win a battle of powerhouse clubs as the No. 24 Lions took down No. 4 Christopher Newport University, 3-2.  A pair of early runs held up for the lights-out pitching of senior Caleb Cochran, who picked up his third win of the season.  The home team extended its winning streak to seven games to open the year.

The offense struck first for the Lions in the opening frame, as senior Kevin D'Antignac plated senior Kyle Davis with a fielder's choice.  Davis had led off with a single and stolen second base before scampering to third on a base hit by sophomore Josh Bailey.  The Lions found two-out magic in the second after the first two hitters grounded out.  Junior Matt Youtsey singled prior to fellow classmate Tate Koons getting drilled by a pitch.  Davis then doubled for the third time this season, bringing home Youtsey while Koons was held at third.  

Three errors plagued Piedmont, as both of Cochran's runs were unearned.  Piedmont's first error came in fourth off the leadoff hitter, who was doubled home moments later to cut the deficit in half.  Cochran was put to the test in the top of the sixth when the leadoff man singled and advanced to second on another PC error.  After a sac bunt that moved him to third, the Captains sent another aboard on a hit by pitch.  With runners on the corners and one out, while holding to a 2-1 lead, Cochran buckled down, sending the next guy down on strikes before getting the following hitter to fly out to right in foul territory, preserving the lead.

Senior Ethan Miers came up clutch for the men in the home half, scorching an RBI, two-out double to give Piedmont a 3-1 lead.  A miscue by the Lions in the ensuing inning put runners on the corners again for the Captains with none out, as they cut the lead to 3-2 with a sac fly on the next hitter.  Cochran retired his final two hitters with a flyout and groundout to get out of the jam.  Piedmont went to the bullpen the rest of the way, as Cochran gave way to senior Ed Cook, who shut the door for his third save of the season.

A two-out double in the eighth had Cook and the Lions clinging to the 3-2 lead while being threatened.  The closer induced a clutch groundout to end the threat and send the game into the final frame.  Cook allowed a walk, but the runner never reached scoring position in the final moments.  Cochran went seven strong in the win, allowing five hits and two walks for no earned runs, striking out six.  The ace lowered his season ERA to 0.42.  Cook has yet to allow a run in five appearances this year.  Davis and Youtsey both recorded two hits for the Lions, who had eight hits on the evening.

The Captains were held to a season-low two runs, an incredible feat as the 5-1 team came in as the No. 4 team in the country and scored 11.4 runs per game prior to the loss at PC.  The 7-0 Lions take on Adrian College Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 pm while looking to maintain their perfect record.