Baseball | 3/7/2010 5:55:29 PM

DANVILLE, Va. - Methodist took the early 1-0 lead over Averett, but the Cougars battled back to earn the 7-3 USA South victory on Sunday.

Brian Halpin hit a RBI single to score Brian Inghram in the top of the first and give Methodist the 1-0 lead. Averett responded in the bottom of the second inning with a run before taking the lead on an unearned run in the third. The Cougars tacked on two runs in the fourth to lead 4-1. They added two runs in the sixth before Methodist rallied in the eighth.

Halpin and Brian Goodwin led off with singles and Tyler Younger doubled down the left field line to score Halpin. Goodwin scored on a sacrifice fly from Matt Quick, but the rally fell short with the Monarchs still trailing 5-3. Averett scored two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. Methodist loaded the bases in the top of the ninth, but the runners were left stranded as the Cougars won 7-3.

Halpin finished 3-for-4 with a RBI. Inghram, Trey Such and Younger added two hits a piece.

Kurt Kelly started on the mound and went 4.0 innings to take his first loss of the season. Tre' Britt, John Markley and Rusty White pitched in relief.

Jake Loye pitched the complete game win for Averett.

The Monarchs will host Penn State-Abington on Monday at 1 p.m.

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