Demorest, GA-The Salem College softball team fell just short in two games at Piedmont today. The Lions barely escaped with 1-0 and 7-5 wins over Salem. Kierston Garner finished the day with 2 hits and 2 runs batted in for Salem. The Spirits fall to 7-7-2, while Piedmont improves to 7-5. 

Game one was a pitching duel. Brianna Morris had an outstanding game on the mound. She gave up 1 run on 8 scattered hits in 6 innings. Piedmont scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Morris, Garner, Montana Lineberger, and Zoe Wade all had 1 hit in the first game.

The Spirits jumped out early in game 2, before Piedmont mounted a late-inning comeback for the win. Salem was up 5-1 after 2 innings. The Lions 2 runs in each of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings for the win.

Garner and Amber Bass hit homers for Salem. Bre Crumley had 2 hits in the game, and Jennifer Vitarelli and Lineberger each had 1 hit. Lauryn Smith was on the mound for Salem. She gave up 5 earned runs on 9 hits.

The Spirits play again tomorrow against Maryville in Tennessee.