GREENWOOD – The Lander baseball team scored five runs over the final two innings, but saw its rally come up just short in an 8-7 PBC loss on Saturday afternoon at Stephen B. Dolny Stadium.

Lander falls to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in PBC play, while Augusta improves to 2-9 on the year and 1-4 against conference opponents.

The Jaguars struck early with two runs in the third inning. Ben Markiewicz and Mason Robertson would hit back to back sacrifice flies to take the lead. Mike Fitschen's two-run home run to center field put the Bearcats on the board in the bottom of the third.

Augusta extended its lead to two in the fifth. Timothy Gray would connect on a two-RBI single to center field. The Jaguars would plate two runs in the sixth and eighth inning to add to their lead. 

Lander trailed 8-2 entering the bottom of the eighth, but Evan Harold's RBI single and Roury Glanton's fielder's choice would trim the deficit to 8-4. In the ninth, an RBI single by Brice Kirven and a two-run home run by Matthew Burgess would cut the deficit to only 8-7. Jaguar pitcher Aron Chick would strike out the last two Bearcat batters to seal the game.

Colton Yeager went 3-for-5 on the day to earn his first multi-hit game of the season. Matthew Burgess would hit the first home run of his collegiate career.

Starter Fraser Ellard would be charged with the loss as he went 5.0 innings yielding four runs, eight hits, and three walks with six strikeouts.

Lander will be back in action tomorrow in the third and final game of the series. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.

#cLawsUp | @LanderBaseball