WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – West Alabama couldn't hold onto a late lead as Palm Beach Atlantic rallied in the eighth inning to secure a 4-3 victory on Friday night at JM "Jake" Rubin Park.  

The Tigers (2-3) took control early, scoring first in the third inning when Eli Burwash stole third and crossed the plate on a throwing error by the catcher. UWA extended its lead in the sixth as Nick Wilson delivered an RBI single to bring home Joe Watkins, and later, Bryce Newman grounded out to third but pushed across another run to make it 3-0.  

Palm Beach Atlantic (1-4) responded in the bottom half of the sixth, cutting the deficit to 3-1 on an RBI single from Patrick Rakes. The Sailfish then took advantage of a passed ball and a clutch two-run single by Finley Holmes in the eighth to complete the comeback.  

West Alabama's pitching staff kept PBA in check for most of the game, with starter Maxwell Schumacher throwing four shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out three. Relievers Cade Miller and Ryan Ladner combined for three strong innings before the Sailfish broke through against Owen Hendry and Jack Hoppenjans (0-1) in the eighth.  

Burwash led the Tigers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored. Wilson and Newman each recorded an RBI, while UWA finished with eight hits overall.  

The Tigers will look to bounce back in their next series, traveling to face Nova Southeastern in a Saturday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m