HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. — The Averett University baseball team used a six-run top of the ninth inning to nearly erase a seven-run deficit. However, the rally was a bit too late as Hampden-Sydney College defeated Averett 8-7 on Tuesday at Ty Cobb Ballpark.

Trailing 8-1 down to its final three outs, Averett (14-15) came storming back to make it interesting. Senior Nic Futrell reached on an error to start off the frame and advanced to second on senior Billy McLaughlin's single. Moments later, senior Kyle Walsh took a walk to load the bases for the Cougars. Two batters later, a walk plated the second run of the game for Averett, and the Cougars made it a four-run contest on a two-run single from junior Trey Wall. An RBI groundout and a single cut Averett's deficit down to two with two outs. Sophomore Kyle Vidano kept the Cougars hopes alive with a single that scored junior Hunter Ashworth to make it an 8-7 contest. However, Hampden-Sydney (17-10) recorded a game-ending groundout to seal the non-conference victory.

The Tigers used a two-run bottom of the eighth to give them the eventual game-winning runs. An RBI single gave Hampden-Sydney its seventh run of the contest and an RBI groundout provided the Tigers with the game-changing run. 

Hampden-Sydney broke the game open with a three-run bottom of the fifth inning. Holding a 2-1 edge, the Tigers took a two-run advantage on an RBI sacrifice fly out. Moments later, Tyler Blevins drove in a pair of runs with a single to give Hampden-Sydney some cushion heading into the middle innings. 

The Tigers struck in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0 lead. With a runner on second base, Blevins drove in the first run of the game on a single. Hampden-Sydney struck for another pair of runs in the third to take a three-run advantage.

Averett, however, found some offense in the top of the fourth to cut its deficit in half. After a pair of singles put runners on the corners for the Cougars, senior Kyle Walsh got Averett on the board with an RBI single. 

McLaughlin paced the Cougars offense with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Futrell and sophomore Dallas Smithers each recorded two hits as well. 

Averett will get little time to rest as it travels to Bridgewater, Virginia, on Thursday to take on non-conference opponent Bridgewater College at 4 p.m.