Demorest, Georgia — The No. 8-ranked Belhaven University baseball team dropped a 2-1 decision to Piedmont on Thursday evening in the opening game of a three-game series at Loudermilk Field. Both teams showcased strong pitching, but Piedmont’s late-inning opportunities proved decisive, according to sources.
Belhaven threatened early but was unable to score in the first three innings. The Blazers put runners on base in each inning, including a second-inning chance with two runners on, but failed to capitalize. Piedmont’s Gunner Staten kept Belhaven off the board early, escaping a second-inning jam with a groundout and a flyout after moving runners to second and third with one out.
Piedmont broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a solo home run. Despite allowing the run, Staten retired the next two hitters to limit further damage. Belhaven responded in the fifth with a solo shot from Chess Parker, tying the game at 1-1. The Blazers threatened again later in the inning but were thwarted after a walk and a runner on third.
Piedmont regained the lead in the sixth inning after a walk and a defensive error allowed a runner to advance to third. A groundout brought in the game-winning run. Belhaven turned to reliever Caleb Menard, who threw 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two to keep the game close.
The Blazers continued to push late. In the seventh, Parker reached and stole second but was left stranded. In the eighth, Austin Canale singled but was erased on a double play. In the ninth, Owen Abney singled with one out to bring the tying run to the plate, but Piedmont’s closer secured the final outs for the win, according to team updates.
Gunner Staten (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing two runs, one earned, over 5.1 innings. Menard’s relief kept Belhaven within striking distance into the late innings. The series continues Friday with first pitch set for 3 p.m., as Belhaven aims to even the series.
