MONTGOMERY, Ala. — (BOX SCORE) Campbellsville University baseball fell victim to its first loss in the NAIA Opening Round. The Tigers lost, 3-1 to one-seed Faulkner University and will now move into the elimination bracket.

Faulkner moves into the championship round with two wins in the winner's bracket. Campbellsville falls to the elimination bracket and will play the winner of Northwood University and Lyon College – who was playing in an elimination game at 8 p.m. ET tonight at Harrison Field. The Tigers will play at noon ET against the winner.

The Eagles scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings before the Tigers were able to scratch a run. Southern States Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Chris Madera reached base on a single and Dario Polanco was plunked to put runners on first and second with zero outs. Madera advanced to third on a stolen base and Randy Joung (pronounced Young) delivered an RBI single to put Faulkner up, 1-0.

The Eagles were able to add another run with two outs in the fifth. CU starter Jake Pannunzio (3-1) picked up two quick outs before getting into trouble. Junior Santos singled to left field and advanced to second base on a Pannunzio balk. Madera then picked up his second hit to score Santos – 2-0 Faulkner.

Pannunzio was the tough luck loser, throwing 5.1 innings and allowed six hits and two runs. He also struck out two Eagles. Casey Congleton also saw time out of the bullpen, throwing 1.2 innings allowing one earned run in the fifth inning.

Campbellsville answered with its lone run in the sixth inning. Carlos Torres delivered a one-out single and came around to score on an RBI single by Miguel Solano. Garrett Everhart then singled up the middle but the centerfielder Madera gunned down Alex Kline at home to keep the Eagles in front, 2-1. The assist for Madera was the second of the game for the SSAC Player of the Year.

Faulkner added an insurance run in the eighth inning. A controversial call on a hit by pitch gave Dario Polanco first base and then an error put runners on the corners. Indalecio Romo came into the ball game and gave up a single to push the Eagles ahead, 3-1 but worked out of jam with the Tigers' fourth double play of the tournament. Romo pitched two innings of scoreless ball.

Campbellsville made a little noise in the eighth inning but reliever Phillip Anderson picked up a big strikeout to end the Tiger threat with runners on the corners. Alejandro Castro came in to pitch the ninth inning and sat Campbellsville down 1-2-3 to finish the game.

Christian Torres (6-1) picked up the win for Faulkner, striking out 10 batters through 7.1 innings.