Roanoke, Va. (March 22, 2012) --- The Milligan College baseball team rallied from a five-run deficit but was unable to get back in front as they fell 14-12 to NCAA D-III Roanoke College on Thursday night in Roanoke, Va.
 
   The Buffaloes opened the game with two runs in the top of the first as Wesley Jones (Kingsport, Tenn.) scored on a Luke Kirk (Gate City, Va.) sacrifice fly and Kyle Kolat (South Bend, Ind.) crossed the plate on a Cory Hilton (Johnson City, Tenn.) double. Milligan extended their lead in the second with five runs, and they held a 7-1 lead after two innings of play.
 
   However, the Maroons fought back with five runs in the home side of the third. Tyree Jefferies (Jackson, Tenn.) hit a solo home run in the fourth inning for Milligan, but Roanoke scored three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to extend their lead.
 
   The Buffaloes fought back as Kolat crossed home plate in the top of the seventh, but the Maroons responded with three more runs in the bottom of the frame. Milligan answered with three runs of their own in the eighth, but they were unable to keep the rally going.
 
   Kolat led the way at the plate as he went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Hilton ended the game 3-for-5, and Jefferies was 2-for-5. Hunter Carpenter (Sneedville, Tenn.) was 2-for-4.
 
   Josh Hullett (Knoxville, Tenn.) got the starting nod and earned a no decision. Hullett allowed five earned runs on nine hits in just under three innings of work. Ryan Valentine (Springfield, Ohio) was handed the loss as he allowed three earned runs on four hits.
 
   With the loss, Milligan falls 15-16 overall.
 
   Milligan returns to action on Friday, March 23, when they travel to AAC newcomer Point University. Game time in the nine-inning game is slated for 6 p.m.