JACKSON, Tenn. – No. 10 UWF baseball led 5-0 in the seventh but could not hang on in the series opener at Union Friday. The Bulldogs scored nine runs with two outs in the seventh and eighth to ultimately win 9-6.
 
"We had a 5-0 lead that we evaporated when we couldn't finish a routine double play ball [in the seventh]," said UWF head coach Mike Jeffcoat. "Bottom line, we have to learn that every play is meaningful and the game can change in a heartbeat."
 
Argo starter Daniel Floyd was brilliant for much of the evening. He set aside the first 11 he faced and did not see much trouble before the Union rally began to brew in the seventh. He was credited for five runs (five earned) in a no-decision. He also struck out a season-high eight while issuing two walks.
 
"Daniel Floyd pitched great and should have been out of that seventh inning without giving up a run," said Jeffcoat.
 
The game got off to an unconventional and inauspicious start. The Argos appeared to score twice in a 30-minute top half of the first. Both runs are erased though when a slide at the plate by Matt Sullivan is retroactively ruled illegal. Sullivan was ejected from the game.
 
"The game started on a unfortunate play at the plate with Sullivan getting ejected for running over the catcher," said Jeffcoat. "That ended up taking two first inning runs off the board, and Sullivan being declared out. The umpires let the inning continue until the Union coach protested the ruling, and it was the correct call."
 
Robert Lopez carded one of his best overall performances as an Argonaut. The senior finished with four hits, including a solo home run. The blast was his fourth of the season. He scored four runs and reached base five times. Adam Imwalle recorded two hits. UWF outhit Union 11-10.
 
Jared Hatch (1-3) suffered the loss after failing to quell the Bulldog rally after entering the game behind Floyd. Josh Pahlad and Jay Simpson appeared on the mound in the eighth as the Bulldogs ran their lead to 9-6.
 
The Argos (25-11, 15-4 GSC) will look to rebound vs. the Bulldogs (10-23, 4-15 GSC) with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday.
 
"Have to sweep the doubleheader tomorrow to win the series against a scrappy Union team," said Jeffcoat.
 
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