COCHRAN, Ga. - The Union University baseball team lost the rubber game of the series at Middle Georgia State University Saturday, 21-20. Union dropped to 1-2 on the season, while Middle Georgia State improved to 2-1. 

Union led 7-0 after the top of the second inning and scored in each of the first four innings. Union maintained the lead until Middle Georgia tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Union regained the lead with a run in the seventh. 

Middle Georgia then seemingly broke the game open with seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 19-13 lead. 

The Bulldogs proved they would never be out of a game with a seven-run rally of their own in the top of the ninth. However, in the bottom of the ninth, Middle Georgia tied the game on a bases-loaded walk and then won the game on a wild pitch. 

Union used eight pitchers in the game, with Corben Howard taking the loss, allowing two runs while walking three and striking out one. Takuma Sato started the game, going three innings with seven runs, six earned, three walks, and three strikeouts. 

Union's offense scored 20 runs on 13 hits, taking advantage of 17 walks. Elijah Ramsey led Union with four hits and four RBI. Eli Gipson and Grant Ross each added two hits. Gipson and Jordan Allen added three RBI each. Allen recorded Union's first home run of the season, a 3-run shot in the fourth. 

Up next for Union will be the home opener, Friday and Saturday, February 6-7, versus McKendree University. 

-UNION-