Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions built a big lead, then held off a late rally to defeat Mid-Continent (Ky.) University, 10-7, in the opening game of a three-game series on Friday night at Carnes Field.

The Lions took a 10-2 lead into the eighth inning before the Cougars scored twice in the eighth and three times in the ninth, putting the tying run at the plate before Drew Suttles recorded the final out.

FHU (18-22, 4-9) did a textbook job of manufacturing runs in the first two innings, scoring six times on just three hits despite no errors by Mid-Continent. The Lions then added two more in the fourth and seventh innings while starting pitcher Andy Southard (3-3) was solid through six innings, allowing just two runs on six hits.

The Cougars finally chased Southard in the seventh inning, eventually loading the bases but did not score as reliever Drew Stofel got a grounder to third base to escape the jam.

Leamond Arthur led the way at the plate for Freed-Hardeman with three hits and two RBIs. Justin Mackey, Lincoln Lakoff and Kirkland Wheeler each had two hits while Robert Prieto and Evan Mansell both had two RBIs. Mackey hit his fourth triple of the season, giving him the most of any Lion since Greg Allen hit five in 2007. The program record is seven, set by Jay Mitchell in 1994.

The Lions were also a perfect 6-for-6 on stolen bases with Kyle Dearing swiping his 26th and 27th bags of the season.

The series concludes with a double-header tomorrow beginning at 1:00 PM.