By Sam Armstrong

BUENA VISTA, Va. – The Southern Virginia University baseball team fell to Mary Washington on Wednesday afternoon 12-7, dropping to 4-6 in the Capital Athletic Conference.

The Eagles (16-12-1, 5-6 CAC) started the scoring barrage by driving in seven runs in the third inning, and they hit five home runs before the game was over.

Despite getting down early, the Knights (12-13, 4-6) fought back hard and scored seven runs in the game, including five across the eighth and ninth innings. Southern Virginia had no problem reaching base in totaling 14 hits and drawing six walks, but struggled to drive runners in, leaving 16 runners on base. 

Bridger Taylor led the Knights' bats with three hits and an RBI, while Ryan Saunders tallied three hits as well. Leadoff hitter Caleb Layden set the table all Knights for the rest of the lineup, finishing with a hit and three walks. Infielders Stetson Kay and Cole Critchfield had two hits each, while Kay had two RBIs and Critchfield had one.

Jonathan Soto started and picked up the loss on the mound, lasting two and one-third innings and giving up five runs. Justin Davis and Michael Stirling each pitched a three up-three down frame and striking out one apiece.

Southern Virginia continues conference play on Saturday as they play a twin bill with Wesley College. Game one begins at 12:00 p.m. in Dover, Delaware.