MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Seventeenth-ranked Middle Georgia State's four-run 11th inning in tonight's Southern States Athletic Conference showdown proved too much for top-ranked Faulkner to overcome in the 7-6 decision here at Harrison Field.

The Knights (31—10, 12-4 SSAC) gained a 1-0 lead on RBI single in the fourth inning before extending their advantage two more runs on a pair of RBI knocks in the sixth.

The Eagles (35-5, 11-2 SSAC) finally illuminated the run column courtesy of a Reid Long double in the bottom of the same inning before the lefty struck again with a game-tying two-RBI double in the eighth. 

Faulkner then loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth inning, but couldn't reel in the winning run. 

After two scoreless innings Will Golden sparked Middle Georgia's electric 11th inning with a solo homer to left field. The visitors went on to score three more runs on a pair of doubles. All runs were tallied with two outs on the board.

The Eagles refused to go quietly, however. John Price cut the deficit in half with a twin-RBI triple to right center field before Wes Roberson brought him home on an ensuing single. Unfortunately, the rally ended there.

The Knights' Mason Klotz allowed three earned runs on seven hits while booking 10 strikeouts over nine innings in the win.

Ivan Pelaez scattered six hits over seven innings while surrendering three earned runs and striking out nine batters in the start.

Austin Moreland posted zeros across the eighth frame and Jonathan Wilkins did the same through innings nine and 10.

After after driving in the first three runs of the game and ultimately sending the contest into extended play, Long suffered the loss in relief. The left-hander allowed four earned runs on as many hits in the decisive 11th inning.

Olivier Basabe joined Long with two hits in the contest.

The Eagles and Knights will battle for the series in doubleheader action tomorrow beginning at 1 p.m.