HARROGATE, Tn. - The Shorter Hawks fell to the Lincoln Memorial University Railsplitters on Tuesday afternoon, 27-8.

The Railsplitters struck first, scoring one run in the opening inning, but the Hawks tied the game at one in the top of the second. Patrick Sanderson singled and stole second before Brian Cabrera walked with one out. With two runners on, Harrison Hatfield reached on a fielder's choice and Sanderson scored on a throwing error.

Lincoln Memorial took a 4-1 lead over the visitors, but the Hawks scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth, making the score 7-4 in their favor. It all started with a Sanderson walk and Raul Cortes single. On the single, Sanderson advanced to third and eventually scored when Cortes was thrown out trying to steal second. Next, Cabrera hit a single and advanced two more bases thanks to a Railsplitter error. Hatfield singled, batting in Cabrera, and bringing SU within one run, 4-3. The next two batters – Jacob Ramos and Dustin Lawson – each reached base safely, making them full for Blaze Vazquez. Vazquez hit a grand slam to right field, giving the Hawks a three-run lead.

While things looked promising for Shorter, Lincoln Memorial scored 23 runs over the remainder of the game. The Hawks managed a run in the top of the ninth as Greg Gladden singled and came around to score when Sanderson singled. Despite the run, Shorter fell, 27-8.

Micah Wyatt took the loss for SU, while the Railsplitters Grant Painter received the win.

The loss moves the Hawks record to 10-10. The team returns to play on Saturday when it plays a double header against Gulf South Conference opponent Valdosta State. First pitch is set for 1 PM EST from Valdosta, Georgia.