by Taylor Hodges

WALESKA, Ga. – The No. 2 Eagles (8-0) defeated Reinhardt University 9-8 on Wednesday night thanks to a clutch eighth inning by Faulkner to clinch the win.

The Eagles took a commanding 5-2 lead heading into the seventh inning before Reinhardt scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh to take an 8-5 lead.

In the top of the eighth inning before Jacob Freeland hit a double, driving in Wes Roberson scored off of a Reid Long double, cutting the lead down to two.

The ninth inning was big for Faulkner when they score three runs, thanks to an Estrada single which brought in Roberson to cut the Reinhardt lead to two. Freeland was able to bring in his second RBI on a fielder's choice, cutting the lead to one, and Reese Cooley brought in Te'kwaan Whyte on another fielder's choice to give Faulkner the 9-8 lead which they would take into the final inning and secure the win.

Isaac Guerrero got the start on the mound, pitching five innings.

Long went 3-for-5 in the game while driving in four runs, including a three-run homerun in the top of the fourth inning.

The Eagles will take on No. 18 Northwestern Ohio in a four-game series beginning on Saturday at Harrison Field. Game one on Saturday will begin at 2 p.m. Game two on Sunday will begin at 1 p.m.