Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 7, Methodist 5
Records: Lions 3-1 (0-0 USA South), Monarchs 2-2 (0-0 USA South)
Location: Demorest, Georgia - Loudermilk Field

Demorest, GA - The Piedmont College baseball team once again used a comeback to propel themselves to victory taking down Methodist 7-5 at Loudermilk Field. Piedmont trailed 4-1 heading into the fifth but a combination of some solid hitting & efficient pitching over the next three innings helped to close out the game and take the win. 

The Lions took an early lead as Friday's hero ANDREW BURDEN began the scoring with a grounder to third that scored TYLER BURDETTE in the first inning. The lead was short lived as the Monarchs put up a two spot in the top of the second to claim the lead and would tack on an additional run in both the third and fourth innings. 

BARRETT COURTWRIGHT entered in the fourth inning to relieve starter BEN MCCURLEY and shut down the threat getting the three outs in the three batters he faced. The Lions offense then went to work in the bottom of the fifth sending all nine batters to the plate scoring three runs on four hits but left the bases loaded. 

With the game tied at four, Courtwright had a quick 1, 2, 3 inning in the top of the sixth while Piedmont picked up where they left off scoring a run on two hits but once again left the bases loaded. In the top of the seventh, Brian Whitacre had himself a 1, 2, 3 inning to keep the score 5-4 in favor of the Lions.

Piedmont tacked on two additional runs after the seventh inning stretch when the first two batters were hit by pitches, a wild pitch advanced the runners into scoring position then a single and a sac fly scored two. 

The Monarchs got their final run in the top of the eight but it was too little, too late after the comeback as Vonderschmidt entered to close out the final two innings and struck out the final batter to end the game. 

Turning Point
--The Lions trailed 4-1 but used a three-run fifth inning to tie the contest and continued to produce offensively with a run in the sixth and two in the seventh. 

Standout Performances
--CALEB NORTON was a perfect 3-for-3 in the contest with an RBI, two runs scored and a walk. 
--BARRETT COURTWRIGHT earned the victory tossing three innings allowing just one hit while striking out four batters. 

Inside the Box Score
--MATT VONDERSCHMIDT earned the save pitching the final two innings giving up just three hits and striking out three to earn the first save of his career. 

News & Notes
--Piedmont is 8-17 against Methodist all-time and had lost the last three in a row from the 2015 season. 

Up Next
--The Lions remain in action at home taking on Birmingham-Southern Sunday with first pitch set for 4:00 p.m.

How to Follow
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