NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 7, No. 6 Belhaven 2
Records: Piedmont, 17-8, 5-1; No. 6 Belhaven 17-7, 3-3

DEMOREST, Ga. — The Piedmont baseball team locked up a decisive 7-2 win in the final game of its weekend set to sweep the No. 6 ranked Belhaven Blazers.

The Lions left no doubt in a dominant performance headlined by starter Layne Ayers.

Piedmont opened the scoring in the bottom of the first after Cody Funk scored after his leadoff single. 

Now pitching with the lead, Ayers went to work, setting down the next six Belhaven batters with ease. 

In the bottom of the third, the Lions looked to ignite their offense once again. With two outs, Carter Few stepped to the plate with runners on the corners, and the Lions' cleanup hitter delivered, bringing home Funk and giving Piedmont a 2-0 lead. After a walk, Jack Ryan batted with the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, the sophomore drove the ball deep to right field, clearing the fence for a grand slam. It was Piedmont's second of the weekend. After the inning, the lineup turned the ball back over to Ayers, now with a 6-0 lead.

Belhaven looked to chip away in the next two innings, scoring a run in each, but the Piedmont starter settled down and twirled a shutdown sixth before getting relieved with two outs in the seventh. Averrett Thompson entered from the bullpen and recorded the final out of the inning while pitching a scoreless frame in the eighth.

With a five-run lead, Luke Manry was asked to close out the game for the Lions. Despite allowing a single, Manry got the final out of the game, securing the Lions their first sweep of the season.

Piedmont put together a complete team win in the final contest against Belhaven. The pitching shut down a strong lineup while the Lions lineup provided enough offense for the win.

Next, the Lions are set for midweek action against Oglethorpe at home on Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Ryan's grand slam in the third inning that extended the Lions lead.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- The Piedmont offense stayed strong and led the way to another win.
- Layne Ayers looks strong as he looks to stick to the Lions' pitching plans.

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.