Box Score COCHRAN, Ga. – The Thomas University baseball team scored four runs in the top of the eighth inning, but No. 22 Middle Georgia State University held off the rally to hand the Night Hawks a 9-8 loss in Sunday's final game of the series. 

MGSU plated three runs in the first inning, then Thomas countered with two in the second and one in the third. But the Knights added two more in the fourth to take the 5-3 lead. Each team scored one in the seventh, then four Night Hawks crossed the plate in the eighth. But MGSU again answered with three in the bottom of the ninth to earn the win. 

Brad Toxen was 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI while Maury Gonzalez connected on 3-of-5 at the plate with two RBI, a run scored and had a stolen base. 

Austin Reed tagged the team's first home run of the season, a shot over the right field fence to lead off the second inning. 

Closing pitcher Brent Summers was tagged with the loss, allowing three runs from three hits and three walks in 1.1 innings. 

Thomas is back in action this weekend, facing No. 6 Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala.  The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, then face off at noon on Sunday for the final game.