The Pilots lost their lead in the ninth inning, losing to the Morehead City Marlins 5-4. Going into the ninth inning with a one-run lead, the Pilots gave up three runs in the top of the ninth with two coming on a two-RBI triple to right field.

Dalton Barham (Norfolk State) had a decent start, giving up two runs in his three innings pitched and striking out three.

Bullpen pitching was solid for the Pilots tonight, as they gave up three combined runs in six innings pitched.

Jake Clemente (Florida) threw two innings, giving up no runs, no hits, and striking out one.

Michael Caldon (Felician University) gave up no runs and one hit over three innings, striking out three.

A wild pitch scored a run for the Marlins in the top of the first, jumping them out to an early 1-0 lead.

The Marlins scored another run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the second, but Ryan Dooley (James Madison) made sure that was all they got, making an incredible diving catch in left field to save two more runs from coming across.

The Pilots evened the game up in the bottom of the second inning, scoring two runs. Hunter Cole (Randolph Macon) continued his hot stretch by hitting an RBI single up the middle, and he now has recorded an RBI in three straight games. After a Henry Garcia (Howard College) walk, Ryan Dooley (James Madison) got Cole in with a sacrifice bunt.

Henry Garcia (Howard College) gave the Pilots the lead with an infield single to the shortstop, scoring Hunter Cole (Randolph Macon). Cole manufactured this run, reaching base on a walk and stealing both second and third to get in scoring position. He now has 27 stolen bases on the year, leading the team and tying for second in the entire CPL.

A big ninth inning highlighted by a two-RBI triple to right field gave the Marlins the lead in the top of the ninth.

Justin Starke (VMI) doubled over the center fielder’s head to score a run in the ninth inning, cutting the lead in half. Unfortunately, that was all they could do, and that was the final score.

The Pilots are back in action tomorrow on the road to face the Wilson Tobs.