MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Visiting UNCP used a trio of multi-run innings to build an 8-1 lead after six innings of play, but Georgia College rallied for 11 runs in the seventh and eighth innings en route to a series-clinching 12-9 victory over the fifth-ranked Braves on Saturday evening at John Kurtz Field.

The setback stretched the losing streak for the Braves (14-8, 4-6 PBC) out to five games – their longest skid since early April in 2007. The triumph helped Georgia College (12-9, 6-4) stretch its winning streak out to three games.

UNCP got multi-hit nights from four different players, including newcomer Zade Denton who drove in a run and scored once on a 4-for-5 hitting exhibition. Freshman Jordan Edgerton booked his first collegiate home run and scored twice on a 2-for-5 hitting line for the Braves as well. Travis Echols hit a home run and drove in five runs on a 2-for-5 night for Georgia College, while Tanner Funk (3-for-4) and Karsten Strieby each registered three hits as well.

All-American Braxton Lewis (0-1) blew his first save opportunity of the season and saddled his first loss of the campaign as well after surrendering four earned runs on five hits and a pair of walks in the decisive eighth inning. Morgan Ownbey, the third of four relievers on the night for the Bobcats, snagged the victory for the hosts despite allowing an unearned run in the eighth. Matt LaMothe grabbed his second save of the day by working a scoreless ninth.

After trading runs in the first two innings of play, UNCP put together multi-run frames in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to build a seemingly insurmountable 8-1 lead going to the seventh. The Bobcats inch dangerously close with a four-run seventh, but the Braves tacked up an insurance run in the eighth to reclaim a 9-5 lead.

The hosts loaded the bases with their first three at-bats in the eighth to chase reliever Patrick McMahon from the hill. Lewis would not be able to stop the damage, however, as he walked in two runs with his first nine pitches, and then allowed five hits in the next six at-bats before finally closing the flood gates.

The Braves will attempt to salvage the weekend series on Sunday when the two square off in the season finale at John Kurtz Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. EDT.