Williamsburg, KY – The 17^th ranked Patriots drops the series against the Phoenix after losing 5-2 on Friday Afternoon. Cumberland scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth to get them the led. UC falls to 14-9 on the season.

Hunter Rigsby got the start as he pitched 6.2 innings allowing three hits, no runs, two walks, and seven strikeouts. Chipper Korbacher came in relief and pitched 1.1 innings as he gave up five runs on fives hits, with two walks and one strikeout.

Offensively, Raphy Almanzar led the way as he went 2-5 with two doubles. Seth Benner had another good day at the plate going 2-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Candido Encarnacion went 2-4 with a double, while Sean Cheely went 2-5 with a double.

After a scoreless inning, UC scored two runs in the top of the second. The inning opened with a single up the middle by Encarnacion. Ray Villanueva followed with a walk. With two on Benner hit his two RBI triple down the right field line, to take the early 2-0 lead.

After some great pitching from both sides causing five scoreless innings, Cumberland scored five runs on five hits, to take the 5-2 lead. UC was unable to score any runs in the top of the ninth after getting three hits, leading to the 5-2 loss.

The Patriots are back at home in Williamsburg for a game against Milligan Tuesday March 15^th at 2 pm.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, YouTube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.