Emory University threatened a comeback against Maryville College, loading the bases with two outs in the ninth inning, but could not push the tying runs across and dropped a 5-3 decision to the Scots on Tuesday afternoon in Maryville, Tennessee.

With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 19-9 on the season, while Maryville improved to 14-15.  It was just the second loss for the eagles in their last 10 games.

Emory fell behind early in the game, as starter Ben Hinojosa allowed single runs to the Scots in each of the first and third innings.  After the Eagles narrowed the score to 2-1 on an RBI single from Brett Lake in the fourth, Maryville put up to more unearned runs in the fifth inning to extend its lead to 4-1.

The Eagles picked up another run in the top of the sixth, when junior Maxim Sankey scored from third on a double steal with runners on the corners and two outs, but a home run from Mikee Moore in the seventh extended the Maryville lead back to three.

Trailing 5-2 heading into the ninth, the Eagles scored a quick run after junior Daniel Iturrey walked to start the inning and came across the plate after errors by the Maryville second baseman and right fielder on the ensuing Jay Page at bat.  After Kevin O'Connor struck out and Josh Bokor lined out, the Eagles walked on back-to-back plate appearances to load the bases and bring the tying run into scoring position, but Lake lined out to right field to end the game.

The ninth inning was not the only chance to score that the Eagles failed to capitalize on during the game.  Emory left at least one runner on base in eight of the nine innings, and two or more base runners in six innings.  The Eagles totaled 16 men left on base during Tuesday's affair.

Hinojosa took the loss for Emory, dropping to 4-2 on the season after alowing five runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks.  Junior Mike Bitanga pitched the final two innings for the eagles, holding the Scots scoreless on two hits and striking out three.  Starter Keylon Holloway claimed the win for Maryville, improving to 1-0.

Emory will return to action on Friday against Covenant College.