MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (2-4) fell to Shepherd University (8-3) with a final score of 9-4 on Saturday at Dale Miller Field. The Falcons tallied eight hits and scored three runs in the third inning to briefly take the lead.

Fairmont State opened its scoring in the third inning. Drew Emrich reached first on a throwing error, and Cam Cole then doubled, advancing Emrich to third. Kris Sutton's single down the left field line drove in both Emrich and Cole, bringing the score to two. An error allowed Bryont Green to advance, eventually scoring on a fielder's choice, giving the Falcons a 3-2 lead after three innings.

Shepherd regained the lead in the fifth inning after a wild pitch and a fielder's choice brought home two runs, making the score 4-3 in favor of the Rams at the end of the fifth inning.

In the sixth, the Falcons tied the game. Maddox Johnston walked, and later scored when Emrich singled, leveling the score at four through six innings.

The game remained tied until the ninth inning when the Rams capitalized on errors and timely hitting to score five runs. The Falcons were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, resulting in a final score of 9-4 in favor of Shepherd.

Caden Goodwin started on the mound for Fairmont, pitching 4 1/3 innings while allowing four earned runs on six hits. He faced 21 batters, striking out four and walking two. Connor Tingler took over and pitched four innings, surrendering five earned runs on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Logan Keepers made a brief appearance, throwing only one pitch to induce a ground-ball double play in the ninth inning.

Sutton led the team's offensive efforts, finishing with three hits and two RBIs. Cole contributed with a double and two stolen bases. Emrich added to the scoring with one hit and an RBI while also crossing the plate once.

Fairmont State wraps up its Atlantic Regional Crossover on Sunday, March 1 against Lake Erie College from Mylan Park. Game time is slated for 3:00 p.m.