NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 8, Huntingdon 6
Records: Piedmont, 13-8 (1-0 USA South); Huntingdon, 8-10 (0-1 USA South)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - In its long-awaited return to conference play, the Piedmont baseball team held off a late Huntingdon rally for an 8-6 road win on Thursday night in Montgomery.

Opening a three-game set in their first USA South series of the season, the Lions built a sizeable lead in the middle innings and survived a six-run eighth inning from the Hawks to earn their third consecutive road win.

Piedmont was able to scratch across the game's first runs in the third inning as ZACH SWINDELL got things started with an RBI single before KYLE DEJESUS drove home SCOTT LYON on a groundout.

The Lions were then able to extend their lead further in the fifth, tacking on three runs on four hits and one Huntingdon error. The damage could have been far worse, but PC stranded the bases loaded to help the Hawks avoid further damage.

After a scoreless sixth, the Piedmont offense went back to work in the seventh, adding three more runs thanks to three walks and an RBI single from JAMES WHITMER, one of three hits on the evening for the sophomore first baseman.

With an eight run lead and SAM CARPENTER having cruised through seven scoreless innings, it appeared to be an easy road for a series-opening victory for the Lions. However, it was not to be, as the Hawks totaled six runs on seven hits in the bottom of the eighth, chasing Carpenter from the game.

Piedmont freshman right-hander TYLER ROON came on in relief of Carpenter and surrendered an RBI single to make the score 8-6 before inducing a Wes Powell fly out, stranding the tying run on base.

Although the Lions were held scoreless in the top half of the ninth, closer CARTER BALLSTADT entered and struck out the final two batters he faced to earn his USA South-leading seventh save of the campaign.

On the offensive side, Whitmer led the way with three hits while seven different Lions each had one RBI.

Up next, the series will continue with game two Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. (ET).

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont was able to add to its 5-0 lead in the seventh inning, building an 8-0 lead it needed every bit of to hold off Huntingdon's furious eighth inning rally.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- JAMES WHITMER (3-for-5) and ZACH SWINDELL (2-for-5) were the only Lions with multi-hit performances.
- SAM CARPENTER earns his USA South-leading sixth win of the season despite allowing a season-high six earned runs.
- CARTER BALLSTADT slammed the door for his seventh save, striking out two Hawks in the final frame.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Huntingdon starter Carden Mellown took the loss but was impressive, allowing just two earned while striking out 11.

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, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.