Indianapolis, Ind. - The Franklin College baseball team lost its Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference series opener to Mount St. Joseph University 8-4 in 11 innings on Thursday evening at Victory Field.

The Lions scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to force extra innings, and then scored four times in the 11th inning to pick up the victory.

MSJ plated an unearned run in the first inning to take the early lead. However, the Grizzlies got the run back in the second inning on a ground out by junior Jason Simpkins (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli). Junior Braden Pelley (Columbus, Ind./Columbus North) scored on the play to tie the game.

Franklin took a 3-1 lead behind a two-run fifth inning. A throwing error on a double-play attempt allowed senior Jameson Brock (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) to score. Senior Tyler Ison (Whiteland, Ind./Whiteland Community) followed with a run-scoring single later in the frame to plate Pelley.

In the sixth inning, Brock connected on a single to score senior Mitch Frey Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo), giving the Grizzlies a 4-1 advantage.

MSJ tied the game in the ninth inning behind a sacrifice fly and two run-scoring infield singles.

In the 11th inning, a throwing error allowed two runs to score to give the Lions a 6-4 lead. MSJ would later add two singles to plate two additional runs to take an 8-4 lead.

Franklin stranded the game-tying run at the on deck circle in the 10th inning.

Ison led Franklin's offensive attack with three hits and driving in one run. Brock and Frey each added two hits and scored one run. Pelley scored two runs in the victory.

Senior Seth Powers (Greenfield, Ind./Greenfield-Central) struck out nine batters in nine innings. The right hander also picked off three base runners at first base in the outing.

The two teams will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader on Sunday, April 26 at noon from Franklin College's John P. McDowell Field. Live statistics and video of both games will be available.