MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Belhaven baseball team suffered a loss in the first round of the SSAC Tournament on Wednesday, falling 11-3 at the hands of Auburn-Montgomery. The Blazers now will take on Martin Methodist on Thursday, with the winner advancing and the loser's season coming to a close.
 
The Warhawks plated the game's first run in the first inning before Belhaven got two back in the bottom half, a lead that stood until the fifth, when AUM scored two more. The Blazers tied the game at 3-3 in the seventh, but the offensive floodgates opened for the SSAC's regular season champions. AUM scored eight runs over the final two innings to claim a convincing victory in their first tournament game.
 
Reagan Rutledge highlighted the offensive effort for the Green and Gold, contributing two doubles and scoring a run from the leadoff spot in the order. Emilio DeSilva and Paul Pickerrell each had two singles, making the top third of the Belhaven lineup 6-for-11 with two runs and an RBI.
 
Ben Allison received the starting nod, allowing three runs on six hits over the game's first five innings. Tanner Moulder (3-6) took the loss in relief, as Belhaven's final three arms of the night combined to allow eight runs over just two innings.
 
Auburn-Montgomery starter Matt Miller (8-3) went 7.1 innings on the hill, surrendering three runs and fanning seven Blazers. Chance Hicks came out of the bullpen with a 6-3 lead and picked up his first save of the year after tossing the final 1.2 frames.
 
Miller hit third in the Warhawk order, and a 4-for-5 effort lifted him to a .529 batting average against the Blazers in four contests this season. Catcher Caleb Harris launched his third home run of the season, while shortstop Darius Reese finished with a 3-for-5 performance, as well.
 
Belhaven now is set to take on Martin Methodist in an elimination game on Thursday, with the winner advancing to play the loser of AUM and Mobile. First pitch between the Blazers and Redhawks is set for 1:00 pm from Paterson Field.