NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Maryville 8, Piedmont 5
Records: Maryville, 6-14 (2-4 USA South); Piedmont, 17-10 (4-2 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont baseball team dropped its series finale to Maryville on a beautiful Monday afternoon at Loudermilk Field.

The Lions struck for four runs in the first inning but the Scots answered back with a pair of three-run frames and held on late to salvage the final game of the series and avoid the sweep.

Reigning USA South Player of the Week ZACH NORMAN continued his torrid pace, launching a two-run blast to left field to cap a four-run first inning for the Lions.

However, Maryville starter Chris Arbuthnot settled in after that, holding Piedmont scoreless until allowing a run in the sixth. Arbuthnot scattered 12 hits and went the distance to earn his second win of the season, striking out six Lions in the process.

After being held to just two total runs over the first two games of the series, the Maryville offense exploded in the middle innings of the, tagging Piedmont starter PEYTON IRVIN for seven runs on 12 base hits. The Scots got within a run with three runs in the third before tying it up in the fifth and taking the lead with three more in the sixth.

Down three runs in the sixth, the Lions cut their deficit to 7-5 on KYLE DEJESUS' RBI single that brought home BRAYDEN BROOKS.

Unfortunately, the Scots were able to add an insurance in the top of the ninth before Arbuthnot finished off the complete game, stranding a runner in the ninth before the tying run could come to the plate.

The loss drops the Lions to 4-2 in USA South play. However, they have taken 2-of-3 in both USA South series so far.

Up next, Piedmont will take to the road for a doubleheader contest at Brevard scheduled for next Monday, April 19 beginning at 12 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Maryville scored three runs on four hits in what turned out to be the decisive sixth inning.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- USA South Player of the Week ZACH NORMAN continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-4 while blasting his first homer of the season in the first, a two-run shot to left field.
- ZACH SWINDELL (2-for-5) and KYLE DEJESUS (2-for-4) each added multi-hit games from the top two spots in the lineup.

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.