Lions take down Jaguars in extra innings

AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Mars Hill baseball team (7-16) took down Augusta (4-16) by a score of 12-9 in 10 innings Wednesday afternoon on the road in non-conference action.

The Lions trailed 9-8 heading into the top of the of the ninth before Devin Mangum's RBI single plated Cody Cline to knot the contest up at nine.  Taking the 10-9 lead in the top of the 10th, Trevor Bailey's two-run home run provided insurance runs with his second in as many games.

Mars Hill jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after one inning, highlighted by Tyler Lala's two-run home run.  The Jaguars, over the second and third, scored four runs to take their first lead of the contest, highlighted by Skylor Murphy's two run double in the second.

Lala struck again for Mars Hill in the fourth, clearing the bases with a three-run double.  Later in the frame, Ruben Trillo's RBI single plated Lala for the Lions' seventh run of the game.

After scoring two runs in the fifth, Augusta tied the game at seven in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run off the bat of John Paul.  Responding quickly, Jordan Lathe drilled a solo home run in the top of the eighth to retake the lead.

Ben Markiewicz's RBI double in the bottom of the frame tied the game at eight.  Later in the frame, Markiewicz scored off of a wild pitch to take the 9-8 advantage.

Lala recorded a game-high five RBI, going 2-for-4 from the plate.  Bailey added two RBI while Mangum, Late, Trillo, Scottie Lee, and Austin Treadway each collected two hits.

Cameron Howell earned the win, striking out three in 2.2 innings pitched.  Joseph Pittman was credited with the loss, allowing three runs in one inning pitched.

Mars Hill returns to South Atlantic Conference play on Friday, March 13, taking on Lenoir-Rhyne on the road.  First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.