NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 22, Belhaven 10 (F/7)
Records: Piedmont, 16-8 (5-1 CCS); Belhaven, 17-6 (4-2 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont baseball used an offensive onslaught to take the series, with a seven inning run rule win over No. 6 Belhaven on Friday afternoon at Loudermilk Field.

The Lions saved their best for last, entering the bottom of the sixth inning trailing by a run. 13 runs and nearly an hour later, they exited the inning needing just three outs to clinch the series with a run rule victory.

In a game that included many offensive stars, Cruz Mullinix stood out, going 4-for-6 with a career-high seven RBI. Hitting behind in the order, Jack Ryan added three hits and five RBI. Out of the No. 9 spot, Justin Shaffer tacked on three hits and three RBI. Making things happen at the top of the lineup, Davin Miller recorded four hits and scored five runs.


 

SEVEN RBI for Cruz Mullinix to lead the offensive onslaught ?? pic.twitter.com/H0IybiPULT

— Piedmont Lions Baseball (@PULionsBaseball) March 28, 2026

While the Blazers also brought a strong offense on Friday after Thursday night's pitcher's duel, the Lions had an answer at every turn. Belhaven slugged four home runs on the day and robbed a prospective home run from Ryan, taking three runs off the scoreboard.

Overall, runs were scored in 11-of-13 frames. Both Belhaven and Piedmont were held scoreless just once, with Piedmont's coming in the bottom of the third and Belhaven in its final at bat in the top of the seventh.

Entering the bottom of the sixth trailing by a run at 10-9, the Lions continuously put pressure on the Belhaven defense and took advantage, sending 21 batters to the plate in the inning and forcing the Blazers to use four pitchers to get through the frame. Shaffer hit three times in the inning, with a walk to lead off the frame, a two RBI single in his second at bat, and then a fly out to end the inning.

Three Lions recorded multiple hits in the inning, including Miller who doubled twice, while Mullinix and Ryan singled twice.

With the run rule victory in their grasp, the Lions turned to Harris Bryson for the final three outs and he delivered, setting down Belhaven in order to close out the win and clinch the series.

Up next, Piedmont is set to go for the sweep, hosting the series finale tomorrow, March 28 at 1 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont scored 13 runs, sending 21 batters to the plate in the sixth inning offensive explosion.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Mullinix led the way with seven RBI, a career high.
- Miller led the team with five runs scored and tied Mullinix for a team-high four hits in the game.
- Ryan drove in five runs and had a would-be three run home run taken away.

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.