NEED TO KNOW:
Game 1 Score: Piedmont 6, Covenant 5
Game 2 Score: Piedmont 16, Covenant 10
Records: Piedmont, 24-6 (14-3 USA South); Covenant, 12-18 (5-12 USA South)
 
DEMOREST, Ga. – The No. 16 Piedmont baseball team used a pair of eighth-inning rallies to complete a doubleheader and series sweep over Covenant on Senior Day at Loudermilk Field.
 
The Lions (24-6, 13-3 USA South) rallied from a three-run deficit courtesy of a four-run eighth inning in game one. Then, in game two, Piedmont rallied from multiple deficits, scoring 12 runs combined in the seventh and eighth innings to win, 16-10.
 
Game 1: Piedmont 6, Covenant 5
 
 Piedmont's bats were held quiet in the early going by Covenant (12-18, 5-12 USA South) starter Andrew Cline.
 
The Scots jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the third before the Lions responded with a two-run bottom of the fourth, thanks to a clutch two-out RBI single from EVAN MEADE.
 
PC held that small advantage until the top of the sixth, when the Scots took advantage of five hits and a pair of Piedmont errors to plate four runs and chase starter RYAN COX from the contest.
 
The Lions managed just one hit in the sixth and seventh innings combined, but trailing by three runs in the eighth, the bats came alive.
 
WES SNYDER led off the frame with a single and advanced to third with one out on an ANDREW BURDEN base hit. After Cline was removed from the game, TYLER BURDETTE laced a two-run triple to bring PC within a run.
 
With still one out in the inning, Meade came through again to single home Burdette and tie the score. One batter later, KYLE DEJESUS made a productive out, as his sacrifice fly to bring home CAMERON JAMES proved to be the winning run.
 
Senior right-hander MATT VONDERSCHMIDT entered with a one-run lead in the ninth and slammed the door for his USA South-leading seventh save of the campaign.
 
Game 2: Piedmont 16, Covenant 10
 
Riding the momentum after the comeback win in game one, the Lions quickly pounced on the Scots for a 2-0 lead after one.
 
Covenant answered back to tie the score at 2-2 with a pair of hits and a Piedmont error in the top of the third.
 
However, PC used a two-out rally to score two more runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead. After Burden was hit by a pitch, Burdette continued his hot hitting, doubling home the senior first baseman.
 
Then, in his first game back from injury, catcher NOAH HEATHERLY singled home Burdette to cap the two-run inning for the Lions.
 
That lead held until the top of the sixth, when the Scots rallied for four runs on four hits against starter MAX BENING and relief pitcher BARRETT COURTWRIGHT, also taking advantage of two Piedmont errors.
 
The damage could have been worse, but BRYAN WHITACRE recorded a pair of strikeouts to strand two runners in scoring position and keep Piedmont within striking distance.
 
After another scoreless inning in the seventh for Whitacre, the Lions offense went back to work, scoring three runs on four straight hits to start the frame, highlighted by Ballstadt's RBI double and Burden's go-ahead single. Two batters later, Heatherly gave Piedmont a key insurance run with an RBI groundout.
 
The Scots answered right back in the top of the eighth, scoring three times on a bases-clearing two-out RBI single by Alex Gonzalez to put PC behind, 10-8.
 
As usual, the Lions had an immediate answer, this time scoring four times in the bottom of the eighth. Ballstadt tied the game at 10-all on his third double and after an intentional walk to Burden, Burdette delivered the go-ahead double, a rocket down the right field line to give Piedmont a 12-10 lead.
 
Piedmont was not finished, adding four more runs before being retired in the eighth.
 
Vonderschmidt earned the win, closing out the Scots with a scoreless ninth.
 
TURNING POINT:
- In game one, the Lions used a four-run eighth to rally from a three-run deficit and earn the one-run win.
- In game two, Piedmont trailed by two runs entering the bottom of the eighth but plated eight runs to take control of the contest.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- ANDREW BURDEN went 3-for-3 with two runs scored in game one while scoring three runs and driving in two more in game two.
- BRADY BALLSTADT went 4-for-5 with three doubles, including the game-tying hit in the bottom of the eighth.
- MATT VONDERSCHMIDT picked up his league-leading seventh save in game one and picked up his third win in game two.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont's 6-5 win in game one marked its 10th straight home win in games decided by a single run.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
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