MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In a matchup between two top-25 programs, No. 21 Belhaven dropped a midweek contest to No. 22 Rhodes, 17-6 on Tuesday afternoon.  

The Blazers move to 25-11 on the season as Rhodes used a pair of big innings in the middle frames to take control.

Belhaven had opportunities early to grab momentum. In the first, Austin Canale doubled and Parker Ryan worked a walk to put two on, but a lineout ended the threat. The Blazers broke through in the third when Blake McCarthy tripled and came home on a groundout from Canale to even the game at 1-1.  

Rhodes answered in the bottom half with a four-run inning, using a combination of singles and a double to jump in front 5-1.

Belhaven responded with its best stretch in the fifth.

McCarthy led off with a solo home run, and after Ryan reached, Owen Abney connected for a two-run homer to cut the deficit to 8-4. Later in the inning, Trey Flettrich added another two-run home run, bringing the Blazers within two at 8-6.  

The five-run frame gave Belhaven a chance to reset heading into the late innings, but Rhodes answered immediately and decisively.

In the sixth, the Lynx strung together five hits, including multiple extra-base hits and a home run, to score seven runs and push the lead to 15-6. They added two more in the seventh on a two-run home run to extend the margin to 17-6. Belhaven's pitching staff worked to limit further damage late, but the extended sixth inning proved to be the difference.

Belhaven returns home this weekend to begin its final regular season series, hosting Asbury in a three-game set starting Friday.

For the latest news on Belhaven Blazers athletics, follow @BelhavenBlazers on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. To support Belhaven Athletics check out Team Green Giving.