DEMOREST, Ga. -- The fourth-ranked Christopher Newport University Captains suffered its first loss of the season today, dropping a 3-2 decision on the road at #24 Piedmont College (7-0). The loss snaps a five-game win streak to open the season as the Captains fall to 5-1 overall.

In his 11th career start, sophomore Bryan Bierlein finally suffered his first career loss. He pitched a quality start, throwing six innings and giving up just three earned runs.

Piedmont pulled ahead early with one run each in the first and second innings. Senior Kyle Davis singled to open the bottom of the 1st, stole second and scored to go-ahead run on a fielders choice. In the second, Davis doubled in the second run, plating teammate Matt Youtsey.

CNU cut the lead in half in the top of the fourth when Luke Saunders doubled home Matt Shoemaker. Piedmont would get the run back in the bottom of the sixth with another RBI double, but CNU again closed within one in the top of the seventh. Billy Steel hit a sacrifice fly to score rookie Andy Viands to make the score 3-2.

CNU relievers Richard Lindsay and Matt Verdillo pitched scoreless innings to keep the Captains close, but CNU managed just one hit in the last two innings as the comeback was denied.

Senior Caleb Cochran earned the win, pitching seven innings without giving up an earned run, while striking out six. Davis led the way for the Lions, going 2-4 with an RBI and run scored. CNU was led by Shoemaker, with a 2-4 performance at the dish, scoring one run.

The Captains stay in Georgia for a neutral site game on Monday, taking on Adrian College.