BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The No. 9 Lions (5-7) earned a late-game win over Blue Mountain (1-1) on Wednesday, knocking them off 8-7 after scoring two runs in the top of the ninth inning.

The Lions got things started when Dom Pisano hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning after Zach Sanders led things off with a single. The Toppers came storming back in the bottom half of the inning, though, scoring four runs to take the lead.

The Lions were able to add a run in the top of the second inning after Dylan Lott knocked the first pitch he saw over the wall with two outs to make it a one-run game.

Rob Patterson entered the mound in relief for the Lions and went two and one-third innings without allowing a run and striking out three batters. Tyler Duskindid the same over four innings pitched to keep the Toppers scoreless for six straight innings, allowing the Lions to take a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth inning after Von Watson and Riley Perks each crossed the plate.

The Lions added one more run in the top of the eighth when Perks hit a sacrifice fly, scoring DeJhard Kimbrough to give the Lions a two-run lead.

Blue Mountain's bats got hot again in the bottom of the eighth when they scored three runs to take the lead yet again. But two runs by the Lions in the top of the ninth – Brady Harris scored on a Josh Sears walk, and Pisano scored from third on a passed ball – to take an 8-7 lead, which they would hold on to for the win.

Landon Sewell earned the win in relief after pitching the final two innings, striking out three batters and only surrendering one hit.

The Lions are scheduled to be back in action on Friday and Saturday when they open up Mid-South Conference play against Thomas More. Games one and two are on Friday starting at 3 p.m. and a single game to close out the series at noon on Saturday.