NEED TO KNOW:
Scores:
Game One: Piedmont 7, Covenant 1
Game Two: Piedmont 8 , Covenant 4
Records: Piedmont, 24-9 (CCS 10-2); Covenant, 11-20 (CCS 4-11)

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Lions swept another CCS series in dominant fashion, showcasing both a strong lineup and pitching staff in the weekend matchup.

The Lions showed their strengths in all facets of the game, securing both victories handily.

Game One: Piedmont 7, Covenant 1

The Lions sent Layne Ayers to the mound in game one, and the sophomore ran into early trouble in the first, allowing the Scots to take their first lead of the series. Ayers rebounded and escaped the inning with just one run allowed.

The Piedmont offense uncharacteristically was shut out in the bottom of the first, keeping the Covenant lead at one.

The offense woke up in the third inning as the Lions exploded for five runs. The Lions rallied for three straight singles, loading the bases for Cruz Mullinix. Mullinix brought home a run via a single as the Lions were content to play station-to-station. Piedmont continued its run parade as four more runs came across to score via a walk and two singles. Justin Shaffer brought home the final run of the inning off of a groundout, and the Lions handed a 6-1 lead over to Ayers.

Ayers was phenomenal for Piedmont. The sophomore shut down the Covenant lineup to the tune of 11 strikeouts across seven innings pitched with just one unearned run crossing home. 

Piedmont added on another run, and Ben Homansky and Lucas Tritt finished out the game on the pitching side as the Lions secured a series win over the Scots, looking for the sweep in game two of the day.

Game One: Piedmont 8, Covenant 4

Drew O'Neill got the starting nod for the Lions in game two, and the freshman had a shaky start, allowing a pair of singles and a walk while allowing a run to score on a wild pitch.

The Lions offense, however, backed up their pitcher with a two-run bottom of the first. Piedmont brought home a run on a groundout while Jack Ryan sent a drive for another, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead that they would not look back from. 

Despite traffic, O'Neill threw three more scoreless frames while the offense brought home four runs, including a Carter Few solo shot in the third inning.

In the sixth O'Neill was relieved by Ryan Morgan, who inherited a pair of runners and allowed one to cross on a single but stranded the other runners to escape the inning. 

Morgan set down the Scots in the seventh, giving the ball over to Luke Manry in the eighth, who entered with a 7-4 lead at the time, looking for a six-out save. Manry struck out the side in the eighth, showing brilliance, and the lineup brought home an insurance run in the bottom half, setting up the ninth for Manry.

Manry set down the side in order for his seventh save of the season, giving the Lions the sweep of the Scots with an 8-4 win.

Piedmont put together a balanced series as it showcased its pitching prowess and the lineup's power. 

Next, the Lions will travel to LaGrange for the last road series of the year, with game one of the series set for Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- The Lions offense provided a strong presence for the pitching to lean on as the staff held the Scots to just five runs across 18 innings.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Ayers was dominant, racking up 11 strikeouts with just one unearned run coming across to score.

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.