The Pfeiffer University baseball team used a four-run second inning to take an early lead over No. 25 Piedmont, eventually downing the Lions 8-5 in the finale of the USA South series at Joe Ferebee Field on Sunday afternoon.

Battling cold and damp conditions, the Falcons gave up two runs in the first inning, but was able to plate one of their own in the bottom half of the inning when Chaston Gordon singled in teammate Mason Striplin.

In the second, Gordon again had the big hit, a two-run double that put Pfeiffer up 5-2.  Blake Winebarger and Kirby Lambert each had RBI singles the inning as well.

Gordon drove in another run in the fourth with a sacrifice fly that made it 6-2, then Bryce Marsh made it 7-2 with a blast to right center.

In the eighth, Piedmont scored twice to pull to 7-4, but the Falcons got one back in the bottom of the inning, making it 8-4.  Piedmont then responded with a one-out RBI double.  Pfeiffer then ended the game by striking out the final two Lion batters to earn the 8-5 win.

Offensively, Gordon led the Falcons, going 2-for-4 with four RBI.  Ira Dorin (Lithia Springs, Ga.) went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Falcon pitcher Matt Moser earned the pitching win for the Falcons, throwing five inning while giving up just two runs and striking out five.

The win improves the Falcons to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in league play while Piedmont dips to 11-3 and 4-1.

Pfeiffer will play again on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., hosting a non-conference game against Guilford.