FLORENCE, S.C. – The Augusta University baseball team played the Francis Marion Patriots in game two of the opening Peach Belt Conference series and couldn't overcome 22 hits in a 16-7 loss at Sparrow Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Augusta (4-7, 0-2 PBC) scored early over Francis Marion (13-1, 2-0 PBC) for the first lead, but FMU rallied for the big win and a 2-0 lead in the weekend series.

Each team matched two runs in the first inning, but the Patriots powered past AU 4-3 after two innings. FMU held an 8-5 advantage after five and exploded offensively the rest of the way.

Senior southpaw Will Thompson made the start and the Pats got to him early to score six runs on four hits. Juniors Casey Lenoch and David Hagelston and sophomore Tony Jones all recorded work on the mound for Augusta as well. Hagelston (0-2) got the loss in 2.0 innings of work.

Senior Cody Lanford had three hits for AU and junior Jim Wagner and sophomore Will Zimmer had two apiece. Lanford and Wagner each had a double and Zimmer launched a homer.

FMU was led by Zach Paquette and Reese Cooley who each had four hits. Christian Umphlett (3-0) took away the victory for the Pats.

The PBC series wraps with a single game at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26.

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