DEMOREST, Ga, — Senior Christian Herstine struck out a career-high 13 batters but it wasn't enough as Marietta College dropped a tough 3-1 decision at Piedmont College Friday (March 11) evening at Loudermilk Field.

The loss drops Marietta, ranked 18th nationally, to 6-4 on the season. The Lions improve to 12-5 overall. Due to impending rain on Sunday, Marietta will play twice on Saturday (March 12). The Express takes on No. 5 ranked Birmingham-Southern College at 11:00 a.m. and Adrian College at 5:00 p.m.

The Etta Express struck first with a run in the top of the third inning. Michael Barnabei led off with a base hit bunt. He then stole second. On the steal, the throw went into centerfield sending Barnabei to third. Piedmont's center fielder then overthrew the third baseman allowing Barnabei to score.

Piedmont evened the score in the bottom half of the inning with an unearned run. After striking out the first batter of the inning, Herstine got Brady Ballstadt to swing and miss at strike three. But the ball got away from the Pioneer catcher allowing Ballstadat to reach safely.

Will Skidmore followed with a double to right scoring Ballstadt. Skidmore tried to stretch it into a triple but was gunned down at third as shortstop Chris Petrucci relayed the throw from Doug Bennett for the out.

The Lions took the lead in the fourth. Evan Gresham singled and Breck Davidson doubled sending Gresham to third. Zach Langley grounded out to the right side of the infield scoring Gresham. Herstine struck out the next two hitters to get of the inning.

PC starter Riley Presnell sailed through the middle innings retiring the Pioneers in order in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Tyler Packanik led off the seventh with a single and stole second. But a strikeout and two groundouts ended the threat.

Presnell (2-3) worked seven innings for his second win of the season. He allowed one run on four hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Allen Tokarz threw the eighth and Josh Thomas pitched the ninth for his eighth save of the year.

Piedmont added an insurance run in the seventh. Langley walked to start the inning. After a pair of Herstine strikeouts, he stole second. Jake Browning then delivered a huge two out single through the right side of the infield plating Langley for a 3-1 lead.

Herstine (0-2) threw seven innings and was charged with three runs, two earned, on seven hits. He walked one and whiffed 13. Kordell Antill worked an inning of relief and allowed one hit while striking out one.

Petrucci had two of Marietta's five base hits, including a double. Packanik, Barnabei and pinch hitter Joey Begany each had a single in the game.