NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Maryville 7, Piedmont 4
Records: Piedmont, 20-16 (6-9 CCS); Maryville, 22-13 (6-10 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont baseball team let a late lead slip away in a 7-4 loss to Maryville in the opening game of the team's final CCS regular season series on Friday night in Demorest.

The Lions rallied late, with three runs in the sixth but the Scots were able to plate four runs in the ninth inning to turn the game and walk away with the series-opening victory.

Piedmont starter ZEKE SWARTZ delivered a strong performance, striking out eight Scots in 6.0 innings of work, allowing three runs, two of which were earned.

KYLE CARLSON and COLE ELLIS were the offensive stars for the Lions, with Carlson driving home three to lead the team as Ellis went 3-for-4 out of the leadoff spot.

Piedmont was able to strike first on Carlson's first RBI of the night as he drove home KOLTON HICKS with a first inning RBI double.

Maryville then scored the game's next three runs, scoring single runs in the second, fifth and sixth innings against Swartz, who did a nice job of limiting the damage.

That set the stage for Piedmont's sixth inning rally, where the Lions scored three times, punctuated by a two-RBI single from Carlson to give Piedmont the lead.

Unfortunately, the Scots were able to score four runs on four hits and also capitalized on a Piedmont error to turn the tide in the ninth.

Up next, the Lions will conclude the series tomorrow with a doubleheader as games are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday will be a busy day of festivities at Loudermilk Field with Alumni Day during the first game and Senior Day Recognition before the final game of the day.

TURNING POINT:
- Maryville scored four in the ninth to erase a one-run deficit in its final at bat.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Four Lions delivered multi-hit games led by three hits from Ellis out of the leadoff spot.
- The 4-6 hitters in the lineup all had two hits apiece with Carlson, TYLER NELSON and TRACE CATE enjoying productive nights at the dish.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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