Williamston, N.C. - Millersville baseball led 4-2 and Drew Miller was mowing down hitters. The Marauders looked well on their way to a series sweep of Lake Erie. But then in the top of the eighth, Lake Erie strung together six hits including a three-run home run to take a lead and the eventual win, 8-5. 

Millersville (5-4) totaled 10 hits, drew eight walks and was hit by four pitches but stranded 16 runners. Eight different Marauders had at least one hit and five drove in a run. Ted Williams drew three walks, had a hit and scored twice. Manning Brookens hit a pinch-hit home run--his second homer in as many days. But it was still not enough for the Marauders. 

Miller, who entered in relief of starter Tyler Yankosky in the top of the third, faced one over the minimum in his first five innings. The eighth frame, however, started with a walk and a single. Millersville went to the bullpen. No. 9 hitter Jacob Armstrong put down a sacrifice bunt but a Millersville error led to a run. Lake Erie followed with two more RBI singles to take a 5-4 lead, and Nigel Williams cleared the bases with a three-run blast. 

Facing a four-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth, Millersville struck out three times. The Marauders started the ninth with Brookens' home run to put within three. Dominic Hardaway drew a walk. Luke Trainer reached after being plunked. Williams, representing the tying run, drew a walk to load the bases. Lake Erie reliever Chris Mutter managed to escape the jam with a strikeout and ground out. 

Miller finished with six strikeouts and two runs allowed on three hits over five innings. Mike Mock (1-1) took the loss. 

Millersville makes its 2018 Cooper Park debut on Sunday, March 4 but first plays at Goldey-Beacom on Saturday, March 3.