Piedmont edged LaGrange 4-3 on Friday in Williamson Stadium at Cleaveland Field to even the USA South series with the Panthers. The two teams close out the three-game series Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Panthers (12-14, 10-10 USA South) banged out 10 hits against the Lions (15-13, 12-8 USA South). Cody Muren had three hits, including a double. Brent Kinsey and Keith Sims each had a double included in their two hits apiece.
Robby Williams allowed three runs, only one earned, in six innings. Tyler Brooks (1-2) surrendered a run on three hits in the final three innings.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Muren led off the inning with a single and Jon Brock walked. Sims laid down a bunt and on the play the throw to third to get Muren sailed wide to let in one run with runners ending up on second and third. Brock scored on Brandon Espinosa's ground out.
Piedmont came back with a run in the third inning and two more in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead. The Panthers tied the game in the sixth.
Muren opened the inning with a double to right center. Pinch-hitter Miles Lee kept the inning going with a two-out walk. Blake Schuck followed with a base hit to right field to score Muren to make it 3-3.
Brooks relieved Williams to start the seventh inning. The Lions pushed across a run in the inning to take a 4-3 lead and made it stand up.
