Harrogate, TN -- The Lincoln Memorial baseball team dropped the opening game of a three-game weekend series against Mars Hill, falling 4-1 at home. The Lions broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning with an RBI single to right field, but the Railsplitters responded immediately in the bottom half of the frame. Kevin Fernandez provided the lone offensive spark for the home side, launching a solo home run to left field to even the score at 1-1. Despite the power stroke from Fernandez, the Railsplitters struggled to find consistent rhythm at the plate throughout the afternoon, finishing the contest with six total hits.

Mars Hill reclaimed the lead for good in the fifth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to plate two unearned runs. A fielder's choice and an error by the third baseman allowed the Lions to jump ahead 2-1 before a sacrifice fly extended the margin to 3-1. The Lions added an insurance run in the seventh inning on an RBI double into the left-side gap. Lincoln Memorial attempted to mount a comeback in the late innings, seeing base hits from Ronny Matti and Brooks Hagedorn, but the Railsplitters were unable to string together the necessary knocks to close the gap, leaving eight runners stranded on base during the loss.

Payton Armour took the loss for the Railsplitters, pitching five innings and allowing five hits while striking out three. Only one of the three runs charged to Armour was earned. Lucas Smith provided strong relief out of the bullpen, tossing three and two-thirds innings and allowing just one run while striking out three. Bradric Helton recorded the final out of the ninth with a strikeout. Offensively, Matti led the Railsplitters with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, while Fernandez finished 1-for-3 with the team's only run and RBI. Caleb Jordan, Peyton Mullannix, and Hagedorn each contributed a hit in the effort.

The Railsplitters will attempt to claim the series in doubleheader action on Saturday with first pitch slated for 1 PM.