FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. - The Shorter Hawks fell to the Emmanuel College Lions, 10-9, as Emmanuel used a six-run ninth inning to capture the victory.
The loss gives Shorter a 13-25 record, while Emmanuel improves to 5-34 overall.
The Hawks took a 4-0 lead after five innings of play, scoring three runs in the fourth, and adding another run the following inning.
In the top of the fourth, Shorter loaded the bases as
Blaze Vazquez,
Dustin Lawson, and
Patrick Sanderson all singled.
Greg Gladden's RBI-groundout scored Vazquez before Lawson crossed home plate thanks to
Brian Cabrera's RBI-single to left field. The Hawks final run of the inning came when
Sean Acevedo doubled, allowing Sanderson to score.
Shorter added an insurance run in the fourth when Vazquez's sacrifice fly plated Cortes. After five innings, the Hawks led 4-0, but the Lions tied the game by scoring a pair of runs in both the sixth and seventh innings.
Shorter broke the tie in the top of the eighth, scoring four runs to take an 8-4 lead. Three walks loaded the bases before
Jacob Ramos hit a two-RBI single. Ramos scored the Hawks third run of the inning by stealing home, and
Mason Long's RBI-single scored Cortes, putting Shorter ahead by four runs. SU added one run in the final inning when Lawson scored on an error.
Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Hawks led the Lions, 9-4, but Emmanuel used a six-run inning to shock Shorter. The Lions collected five hits to go along with three walks. Eric Pape's two-RBI walk off single ended the game, with Emmanuel getting the victory, 10-9.
Starter
Michael Weiksner pitched 5.1 innings for the Hawks but earned a no-decision. Ramos received the loss, giving up two earned runs and two hits. Alex Snider earned the win for the Lions.
Shorter returns to action when it travels to West Alabama. First pitch of the double header between the Hawks and Tigers is set for 3 PM EST on Saturday, April 13, from Livingston, Alabama.
