NEED TO KNOW:
Score: LaGrange 11, Piedmont 1
Records: Piedmont, 20-12 (6-3 USA South), LaGrange 18-7 (10-1 USA South)

DEMOREST, Ga.  - The Piedmont baseball team dropped its series opener to LaGrange, 11-1, on Friday night at Loudermilk Field.

The Panthers led wire-to-wire, scoring three runs over the first two innings before breaking the game open with eight runs in the top of the eighth.

Joe Ruth delivered a monster performance at the dish for LaGrange, going 4-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored. 

Piedmont tallied seven hits but left 12 runners on base, tallying just a single run in the loss. Senior catcher KYLE DEJESUS was the only Lion with more than one hit, going 3-for-4.

CARTER BALLSTADT delivered the lone RBI for Piedmont, driving home TYLER SMITH on a fielder's choice.

SAM CARPENTER made the start for the Lions, pitching into the eighth inning while allowing seven hits, seven runs (five earned) and striking out five while taking just his second loss of the campaign.

Up next, Piedmont will host LaGrange for a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Senior day festivities will begin at approximately 1:40 p.m. prior to first pitch and can be seen on the Mane Event Broadcasting Network. 

TURNING POINT:
- The Panthers jumped out front with a pair of runs in the first and another in the second before running away with an eight spot in the top of the eighth to erase all doubt.

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.