Baseball | 4/30/2010 10:37:56 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The first seven innings were all Monarchs as Methodist opened up a 7-2 lead but Piedmont came back with 11 runs in the final two innings to earn the 13-8 win.

Shawn Lovette got the Monarchs off to a quick start with a lead-off single and Tripp Lancaster laid down the bunt single. Both runners scored to give Methodist the early 2-0 lead. The Monarchs added two runs in the second and a single run in the third for the 5-0 advantage.

The Lions tallied a run in the top of the fourth before Methodist countered with a run in the bottom of the fifth on a RBI single from Trey Such. Both teams added a run in the sixth, but the Monarchs held the 7-2 lead.

After a scoreless seventh, Piedmont racked up six hits on six runs to take their first lead of the game at 8-7. Such hit a two-out single up the middle in the bottom of the eighth and Brandon Thigpen entered as a pinch runner. Thigpen moved to second on a passed ball and scored on a RBI single by Brian Halpin to tie the game at eight.

Piedmont came right back with five runs in the ninth capitalizing on three defensive errors. The Monarchs had an opportunity to rally in the bottom of the inning, but the Lions held on for the 13-8 win.

Such led the Monarchs hitting 3-for-4 with two RBI. Lovette and Halpin hit 3-for-5.

Sean Willingham pitched seven innings with seven strikeouts while John Markley, Rusty White and David Christoffersen entered in relief. White took the loss in 1.1 innings of work.

Matt Collins picked up his third win of the season on the mound for Piedmont.

Methodist will be back in action on Saturday to take on Piedmont at 4 p.m. and York (Pa.) at 7 p.m.

Box Score