Milligan College, Tenn. (Feb. 23, 2013) --- The Milligan College baseball team came up short in both games of a nonconference doubleheader against Covenant College on Saturday at Anglin Field. The Buffaloes fell 9-4 in the first game, and saw a final inning rally fall short as they fell 6-5.

During the first game, Covenant got off to an early lead as they scored five runs in the first two innings of play. The Buffaloes were able to fight back with three runs during the third inning, two of which came when Corey McPherson (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Brett Mercurio (West Palm Beach, Fla.) scored on a double by Brandon Malone (Maryville, Tenn.). However, the Buffaloes were not able to overcome late runs by the Scots as they fell 9-4.

On the round, Ethan Fleenor (Johnson City, Tenn.) was handed the loss. In four innings of work, Fleenor allowed four earned runs on eight hits. At the plate, Blake Buck (Maryville, Tenn.) was 1-for-2 with one RBI, while Nick Loughry (Kingsport, Tenn.) was 1-for-1

Milligan opened the second game by jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the opening innings. Sam Tarlton (Chuckey, Tenn.) scored the first run after recording a double in the third inning, and Malone drove in two runs in the home side of the fourth. Covenant battled back as they scored a total of six runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Buffaloes rallied back as they added two more runs in the seventh inning, but it was not enough to take the win.

Malone led the way at the plate as he went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Tarleton was 2-for-3. On the mound, Brent Whittington (North Wilkesboro, N.C.) was handed the loss. In just over five innings of work, Whittington allowed four earned runs on seven hits.

Milligan falls to 7-4 in the season.

The Buffaloes is slated to return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 26, in a nonconference doubleheader against nationally ranked Lee University. Game time at Anglin Field is set for 3 p.m.