DYERSBURG, Tennessee — The Three Rivers baseball Raiders sprinted out to a five-run lead, but could not make it stand up in a 7-6 loss to the Dyersburg State Wednesday.

The Raiders (2-2) started strong as they scored four runs in the top of the first inning. With two out, Peyton Nelson singled, then Logan McIntyre hit a two-run homer to make it to 2-0 in favor of the Raiders.

The next batter, Eli Marvin, was hit by a pitch, followed by another two-run homer by Dalton Rudd to make it a 4-0 game.

Three Rivers added another run in the up of the fifth inning when Charlie Parker singled with one out, then later scored on Nelson's base hit for a 5-0 edge.

However, things went downhill from there for the Raiders.

The host Eagles scored four times in the bottom of the fifth inning and added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 6-5 lead.

Three Rivers did not give up, tying the game in the top of the seventh inning when Rudd was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, pushing home Parker to tie the score at 6-6.

However, Pierre Seals answered for Dyersburg State in the bottom of the seventh, getting a one-out solo homer put the Eagles back in front at 7-6 — and ultimately set the final score.

The Raiders had a leadoff walk erased by a double play in the top of the eighth and had the tying run reach base in the top of the ninth, but failed to score.

Nelson had three hits and drove in a run for Three Rivers, while McIntyre added a pair of hits and two RBIs. Rudd drove in three runs on the day.

The Raiders are back home Saturday afternoon when Shawnee (Illinois) comes to town.

Mike Buhler - Daily American Republic