Huntingdon falls to Methodist in 10th inning in Game 1 of South Regional

By Wesley Lyle

Sports Information Director

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – The Huntingdon baseball team gave up a run in the top of the 10th inning as Methodist took a 4-3 win Wednesday in the opening game of the NCAA Division III South Regional.

The Hawks (30-10) will play Randolph-Macon (23-18-1) in an elimination game on Thursday at noon.

"This wasn't the start we wanted, but now we have to put this one behind us and bounce back on Thursday," Huntingdon head coach D.J. Conville said. "Our guys have had their backs against the wall before and they know what is at stake. It's a one-game season now and we have to find a way to get it done."

This was the third time Huntingdon and Methodist (25-20) have played this season. Huntingdon beat Methodist 16-3 and 6-1 in the first two meetings. Wednesday's loss was the first for the Hawks since March 30 and snapped a 14-game winning streak.

Huntingdon scored two runs in the fifth on a Keegan Lambeth single and one run in the sixth on a Seth Currie single to take a 3-1 lead Wednesday. But Methodist answered with two runs in the seventh to tie the game.

In the top of the 10th, a walk and two singles allowed the Monarchs to take a 4-3 lead. The Hawks couldn't answer in the bottom of the 10th.

Joseph Fincher (7-3) took the loss in 2 2/3 innings of relief of starter Cory Belyeu. Grant Brown, Caleb Astin, Evan Agnew and Jordan Freeman each finished with two hits for the Hawks. Brown, Astin and Agnew each scored once.

South Regional Info                         

2013 NCAA South Regional website: http://www.rhodeslynx.com/news/2013/5/7/BB_0507131847.aspx?path=baseball

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCAASouthRegion

Live Stats:  http://www.sidearmstats.com/rhodes/baseball/scoreboard.aspx

Live Video:  http://www.collegetvticket.com/

Admission for the tournament is $7 for adults and $4 for senior citizens and children under 12. A tournament pass is $15 for adults and $10 for children and senior citizens.