PEARL, Miss. - The Belhaven Baseball team fell 4-3 late to Piedmont on Friday in their conference series opener against the Lions. The game was marked by dominant starting pitching for both clubs and late rallies across the 8th and 9th innings.

Kade May got the start on the mound for the Blazers and put together a strong outing, going seven innings, allowing just one run and six strikeouts. May kept the Blazers within a run late into the ballgame when the bats finally got going.

Down 1-0 in the bottom of the 8th, the Blazers put together a late rally, tying the game first on an RBI single from pinch hitter Nick Thornton. JD Weed then delivered an RBI base hit that scored pinch runner Brayden Thompson from second and handed Belhaven their first lead of the game.

Finishing off what would end up a three-run frame for the Blazers was Tristan Pearson drove in one more run with a double to right center. Piedmont would answer though with a three-run top of the 9th to regain the lead and hold on for the victory.

Key Performances

JD Weed: 2-4, RBI, R
Nick Thornton: 1-1, RBI
Tristan Pearson: 1-4, 2B, RBI
Kade May: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 6 K

The Blazers and Lions will square off tomorrow in a decisive doubleheader set to begin at 12:00 PM Central at Trustmark Park.

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