COCHRAN, Ga. - Fourteenth-ranked Middle Georgia State (36-13, 14-5 SSAC) scored a pair of runs a two-out, ninth-inning error to clip (42-5, 16-3 SSAC) No. 1 Faulkner 11-10 here in tonight's Southern States Athletic Conference series opener.

The two teams traded even runs over the first two innings before the Knights exploded with a seven-run third.

The Eagles reclaimed a pair of scores in the subsequent at-bat before Austin Paschke's three-RBI double anchored Faulkner's game-tying sixth frame.

Ryan Rosa then inched the visitors into a one-run advantage with a single in the seventh, but his wild throw deep in the final inning allowed MGS to secure the runs necessary to tally the win.

Tyler Thornton got the start on the mound and surrendered nine nine earned runs on 12 hits over 2 1/3 innings of work.

Braden Olive was introduced in the third inning and delivered a brilliant three-hit shutout through the ensuing 4 1/3 innings while striking out three batters.

Brandon Suttles (6-2) suffered the loss after striking out four batters and giving up no earned runs on three hits spanning the final at-bats.

Gage West and Reid Long were each 3-for-5, knocked in a run and scored.

Rosa went 4-for-6, scored twice and booked an RBI.

Paschke drove in four runs on two hits and scored while Te'kwaan Whyte knocked in a pair of runs and scored on two hits.

The two teams will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at noon central.