DEMOREST, Ga. - 20th-ranked Piedmont overcame an early deficit to beat LaGrange 11-3 in the first game of a weekend USA South series Friday night. The loss dropped the Panthers to 13-6 overall and 6-3 in conference play.

LC jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on E.J. Churchich's second home run of the season. Piedmont (16-4, 8-1 USA South) got a run back in the second, then used a six-run sixth inning to take the lead for good.

J.R. Robinson (2-2) started and took the loss for the Panthers. He allowed five runs in 5-2/3 innings. He was followed by Spencer Douches, Matthew Becker, and Anthony Elias. 

Liam Carbone, McKinley Erves, Rhett Hollon each had two hits for LC. Carbone had a triple included in his hits. Cael Chatham added a double.

The two teams resume the series Saturday at 2 p.m.