NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 9, Methodist 6
Records: Piedmont, 9-4; Methodist, 9-5

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Thanks to some explosive offense early in the contest, the Piedmont University baseball team evened the series against Methodist with a 9-6 win Saturday. The Lions fell behind by three in the first but rallied to take the lead in the top of the second and never looked back. 

After the Lions went in order to begin the game, the Monarchs tested starter Bodie Eilertson's composure with back-to-back singles to start the game. A double and a total of four hits in the frame ended with Methodist claiming a 3-0 lead early, but Piedmont was undeterred. 

An error to start the second put Jack Ryan aboard as Carter Few singled and Kyle Carlson doubled to put the Lions on the board. Five hits and five runs later, the Lions claimed the lead after Ben Bodoh brought in Few, Cody Funk doubled to score Carlson and a Ben Connelly single drove in two more. 

Eilertson settled in with just four hits allowed through the rest of his outing as he tossed 5.0 innings allowing five earned runs and a pair of walks. 

The Piedmont offense was not done as they tacked on two more in the third after a leadoff walk and a home run by Jack Ryan. The Lions added another run in the fifth off a Few triple and in the seventh it was Few again with an RBI groundout. 

Four total Lions had multi-hit games led by Cody Funk who was 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot in the order. Piedmont's bullpen pitching was another highlight as Harris Bryson pitched two complete allowing just a single hit before giving way to closer Braden Simms. 

Simms earned his fifth save of the season and tied the Piedmont career saves mark with his 22nd of his career. Simms pitched the final two innings of the game allowing only one hit and struck out two. 

Up next, the Lions will close out the series with the Monarchs on Sunday. 

TURNING POINT:
- A five spot for the Lions helped get the offense going in this one as Piedmont scored seven runs in two innings to take control.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Braden Simms tied the Piedmont career saves record with his fifth of the season giving him 22 for his career, tying the record Carter Ballstadt set in 2023.
- Bodie Eilertson moved to 3-0 on the season despite giving up five earned runs as the offense provided the support needed. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont has played just one error-free game this season that came in a 4-2 win against Chapman over opening weekend. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University 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.