NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 15, Susquehanna 1
Records: Piedmont, 3-2; Susquehanna, 1-1

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - The Piedmont baseball team picked up a big win over the Susquehanna River Hawks by a final score of 15-1.

It was another offensive win for the Lions as they continue to swing the bats well early in the season.

Piedmont would score an early run in the second inning and lean on Drew O'Neill's great game to hold off the River Hawks. The freshman picked up his first collegiate win in stellar fashion as he went six shutout innings while sitting down six via strikeouts.

The pitching was excellent for the Piedmont, as the staff held Susquehanna to just one run over eight innings.

The standout of the day, however, was the Lions' offense. Much like the earlier outings this season, Piedmont scored in bunches to give themselves the lead with a season-best 15 runs.

Piedmont would hold a respectable three-run lead until the top of the seventh, where they slugged home seven runs. Carter Few would lead off the inning with a hit by pitch, and then Matt Dupuis would lace a ball for a double, setting up the Lions' momentum. Piedmont would be content to play ABC baseball with the following plays advancing runners and bringing home a few, but a Logan Racine walk would load the bases for Justin Shaffer. The sophomore would waste no time and bring home all runners with a big three-RBI double, bringing home the Lions' seventh run. Piedmont wouldn't end the onslaught there, as they would load the bases again. This time Davin Miller would follow up Shaffer's bases-clearing double with one of his own, bringing home three more and moving the Lions' lead to 10-0. 

Susquehanna would bring a run across in the bottom of the seventh, keeping them alive for the eighth inning.

Piedmont would look to put away the game in the top of the eighth as they had another big inning. It would be another hit parade for the Lions as Connor Carlson, Cruz Mullinix, and Jack Ryan all brought home runs via singles, with Demetri Tsesmelis bringing home one on a bases-loaded walk. 

Piedmont would shut down the Susquehanna lineup in the bottom half of the eighth as they secured another mercy rule victory.

The offense continues to roll for the Lions as they pick up their first win of the D3Baseball Showcase. 

The Lions will close out their Kannapolis trip tomorrow Sunday, Feb. 22nd with action against Washington & Lee, with the first pitch being set for 1 p.m.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Davin Miller picked up four RBI in the contest, leading the Lions in that stat.
- Justin Shaffer brought home 3 RBI as well as swinging the hot stick, picking up three hits on the day.
- Drew O'Neill picked up his first collegiate win in style with six shutout innings and six strikeouts.

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.