By Sam Armstrong

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Southern Virginia University baseball team lost their game on Tuesday to Eastern Mennonite by a score of 12-8.

The close matchup was highlighted by a seventh inning in which 11 total runs were scored, five by the Knights (10-26), and six from the Royals (14-15).

Down 4-3 entering the top of the seventh, the Knights scored five runs in the frame on seven hits, including three doubles to take an 8-4 lead. The Royals answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, plating six runs of their own. They would go on to score two more in the eighth inning to round out the scoring.

The Knights offense was jumpstarted by leadoff hitter Ryan Saunders, who was a perfect five for five at the plate, with a double. Designated hitter Skyler Cloward also had a great day at the plate, going three for four with two doubles. Centerfielder Josh Hilburn and third baseman Riley Daniels had two RBIs apiece. Southern Virginia's offense was well-rounded, with nine different players pounding out a total of 16 hits.

Justin King had a great day on the mound, giving up only two earned runs over six innings while striking out two. Reliever Tanner Black took the loss for the Knights. 

Southern Virginia takes the field again on Wednesday for their third game in a row as Mary Washington comes to town. The game starts at 3:00 p.m. at Rockbridge County High School.