Florence, S.C. - Francis Marion scored nine times in the first four inning and despite a couple of rallies by Augusta, the Jaguars came up short falling to the Patriots 12-8 Tuesday night in Florence, S.C. The Jaguars are now 8-22 on the year while Francis Marion improves to 23-9.

Nolan Turner homered and drove in two runs and Mike Morrison collected a pair of hits and two RBI as well. Jake Vachon also came up with a pair of RBI in the game.

After spotting the Patriots an early 1-0 lead, Augusta tied it in the top of the second inning. Morrison would be hit by a pitch and eventually come around to score on a Eli Overstreet sacrifice fly to tie the score at one. 

But that was short lived as Francis Marion would score five times in the bottom half of the inning to take control. The Jaguars would get two runs back thanks to some wildness by the Patriot pitching staff as AU scored twice on bases loaded walks. 

Down 8-3 in the fourth, Nolan Turner would unload with a two-run home run as Ryan Patrick would score in front of him making it an 8-5 game. But again, Francis Marion would extend the lead scoring the next two runs.

In the eighth, the Jaguars would again inch closer, this time on a Vachon two-run single. 

Down to their final at-bats, Augusta again would try to fight back. Parker Ingram would double to lead off the inning. Two batters later, Morrison would deliver a RBI single. But the Jaguars would not be able to get any closer.

Augusta will next be in action Wednesday night when they take on rival USC Aiken in the Battle for the Paddle at SRP Park in North Augusta, S.C. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.