Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 2, LaGrange 5
Records: Lions 17-17, Panthers 32-4
Location: LaGrange, Georgia - Cleaveland Field
LaGrange, GA - The Piedmont College baseball team dropped its USA South tournament opening game to top-seeded LaGrange College Wednesday morning 5-2. Despite taking an early lead on the 32-4 Panthers, the Lions were unable to continue to drive runs across the plate leaving 10 batters stranded on the base paths.
The Lions took the lead in the third inning 1-0 after
WES SNYDER singled to center field to score
JUSTIN GROOVER, but the Panthers responded in the bottom of the frame to score a pair and lead it 2-1. In the fourth inning, LaGrange picked up where it left off with three runs on four hits to lead 5-1 after Piedmont left the bases loaded in the top of the inning.
Piedmont would attempt a late innings rally as
JUSTIN GROOVER came around to score in the ninth inning after
GRIFFIN OLSON reached on an error, but the Lions were unable to mount a comeback falling 5-2.
MAX BENING took the loss pitching 3.2 innings with all runs credited to him while
BARRETT COURTWRIGHT and
MATT VONDERSCHMIDT tossed 4.1 innings of scoreless work to close out the contest. Groover accounted for both runs scored going 2-for-4 at the plate while
COLLIN GRANT and Olson both had two hits as well.
It is a double elimination tournament with Piedmont set to play again Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. with the opponent to be announced.
Turning Point
--The Panthers had a 3-run fourth inning to distance themselves from the Lions and seal the victory.
Standout Performances
--Piedmont's relief pitchers in
BARRETT COURTWRIGHT and
MATT VONDERSCHMIDT combined to toss 4.1 innings of scoreless work allowing just one hit and an intentional walk to the 15 batters faced.
Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont left 10 runners on base in the contest compared to the Panthers' five.
News & Notes
--LaGrange had five doubles in the game as they are top in the country in Division III in doubles this season.
Up Next
--The Lions will be in action again at 10:00 a.m. Thursday with the opponent still to be determined.
How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.
