CHARLESTON, S.C. - Despite a late comeback of seven runs, the Charleston Southern baseball team was unable to hold on for the victory on Sunday, falling to the Longwood Lancers 9-7 at Nielson Field. 

Longwood broke the scoreless drought in the top of the fifth inning with back-to-back home runs and a sac-fly to make it 3-0, and added to the lead with a grand slam in the seventh inning to extend the lead to seven. 

The Bucs (19-20, 11-7 in conference) did not go away quietly, as they got on the board in the bottom of the seventh inning with two runs of their own. Casey Asman was hit by a pitch, and Nico Regino crushed a home run to make it 7-2. 

They were not done, as five men came across in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it 7-7. The first five Bucs in the inning reached base, starting with Jared Payne and Ernesto Polanco, who singled to start the inning. Then, Ike George brought in Payne with an RBI single, and Bryce Brock brought in Polanco with a single down the left field line. 

After that, Asman brought the Bucs to within one with a two-run double, and Jaylin Rae tied the game at seven, reaching on an error by the second baseman. The Bucs had men at first and third with one out, but Kieran Davis hit into a double play to get the Lancers out of the inning. 

The Lancers scored two in the top of the tenth inning, as they led the inning off with a double on a ball that was misplayed in center field. Then, a single on a bunt as well as a throwing error from the outfield made it a 9-7 game. 

The Bucs used four pitchers in the game, and Dylan Matsuoka (1-1) was charged with the loss, as he went 3.0 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. 

Johnny Alkire started the game and went 4.0 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and striking out 5. Daniel Padysak and Zac Robinson also gave up a run in the game. 

On Deck
The Bucs are back at home this Tuesday at 5 p.m. as they welcome The Citadel for a crosstown battle. The game will be streamed on ESPN+