CENTRAL, S.C. – It was a slugfest on the diamond on Wednesday evening and unfortunately for the Warriors they dropped their second straight, 12-8 to Young Harris.  SWU has never beaten the Mountain Lions in seven meetings.

The Warriors (5-6) continued to score runs early, putting up five in the bottom of the first inning and have now score 17 times in the opening frame.  Unlike the other 10 games this season SWU allowed runs in the first, giving up three to YHC (6-5) as J.J. Julian made his first start on the mound this season.

In that opening inning the Warriors loaded the bases with two walks and a hit batter before Tyler Lollis doubled in Tyler Bice and Mike Hyman.  Lollis finished with two hits and three RBI in the game.  Julio Lara added a run-scoring single two batters later and Matt Arant knocked in a run with a single later in the inning.  YHC starter Caleb Outz was lifted just three batters into the game after the two walks and hit batter.

Young Harris also took advantage of walks in the opening inning as well as both runners scored after being walked.  A pair of singles and sacrifice flies were responsible for bringing home the three runs.

The Mountain Lions added another three-run inning in the fourth to take a brief lead at 6-5, scoring two on Josh Rudnik's two-run homer.  The Warriors countered with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame, scoring on a double-play.  That lead was short as YHC responded with a run in the fifth.

The teams each scored twice in the sixth and the Mountain Lions finally grabbed control with another pair of runs in the seventh.  They added another run in the eighth. 

 
Young Harris found success on the bases paths, stealing nine times.  The Warriors managed to swipe two bases as Andrew Howard and Zach Oberlies each recorded a steal.

Kalin Smith (0-1) took the loss despite allowing just one run.  He pitched the fifth and allowed three hits and the seventh and deciding run.  James Mills (1-1) picked up the win with 1.1 perfect innings of relief.

The 12 runs and 16 hits are the most given up by the Warriors this season, along with a season-high nine walks.   There were a total of 15 free passes handed out and seven hit batters.   

The Warriors are scheduled to host Montreat on Friday and Saturday in a three-game set.  Friday's single game is set to begin at 4 p.m. with Saturday's double-dip slated for 12 p.m.