Taylor Hodges, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. – Despite a 12-6 loss at the hands of Cumberland University (26-19, 8-7 MSC) on Monday afternoon, the Lions (34-12, 21-3 AMC) baseball program got a new home run leader when Josh Sears hit his 35th career home run, passing Justin Forrest (2004-07) and Pat O'Sullivan (1996-98).

Sears – in just his sophomore year – eclipsed the record after hitting 21 home runs last season as a freshman, making him a Preseason All-American coming into this season, and a team-leading 14 long balls this season.

He did it today in the bottom of the fourth inning with one out, which tied the game 1-1. The game from the fourth inning to the top of the sixth was a back-and-forth affair, with the Lions taking a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth after scoring two runs.

Bryce Lester brought in the tying run in the inning after hitting a single up the middle, allowing courtesy-runner Hunter Beecham to cross the plate. He was followed by Dom Pisano, who was brought in by De'Mikyle Holmes. Holmes and Lester had four of the six RBIs for the Lions, with Holmes bringing in three.

The senior's second and third RBIs came in the bottom of the ninth after the Phoenix had already taken a 12-3 lead after scoring three runs in the sixth and ninth innings, and two runs in the seventh and eighth.

After Christian Busby and Pisano singled each singled, Lester reached on a walk to load the bases for Holmes. He hit a single to left field, bringing in Busby and Pisano and leaving Lester at second.

Collin McPherson later singled to drive in Lester, but that was all the damage the Lions were able to do in the final frame.

The No. 6 Lions saw five pitchers in the game with Tyrek White getting the start. He threw five innings, three of which were scoreless. He struck out three. Drew Bailey, Tyler Duskin, Collin Davis and Blane Harris each came on in relief.

The Lions will be back in AMC action when they go on the road to take on Park University in a three-game series. Games one and two will be on Friday starting at noon, with the series closing out on Saturday with a single game starting at noon.