MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner (10-2, 0-1 SSAC) played its first game in 20 days Friday as it opened SSAC play with a 5-2 loss to William Carey (16-2, 1-0 SSAC). The Crusaders opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when Jordan Szush singled in Jake Lycette. William Carey added to the lead in the fifth when R.J. Stinson singled home Blake Freeman to make it 2-0.

Faulkner battled back in the home half of the fifth when Jonathan Villa ripped a ball toward center with the bases loaded and two out. The shortstop for the Crusaders knocked it down but could not make the catch, allowing Isaac Phillips to score to narrow it to 2-1.

The Crusaders rallied for two more runs in the sixth as Freeman singled in Chris Williams and Jay Johnston singled home Ty Riche to push the lead to 4-1. Faulkner scored its final run of the game when Shawn Ross stole third and made it home on an error during an Alex Arauz rundown. Stinson scored on an error in the ninth for the final run of the game.

Sloan Dieter (4-1) threw 142 pitches over nine innings of work while scattering six hits, three walks and an earned run. July Sosa (3-1) took the loss, working seven innings and allowing four earned runs.

The teams are set to play again Saturday at 1 p.m. in a doubleheader.