READING, Pa. -- Mat Costa pitched six strong innings, but Albright lost to Messiah 8-1 in 10 innings in a MAC Commonwealth game on Monday at Kelchner Field.

Costa was outstanding for the Lions as he surrendered just five hits and one run while striking out four in his six innings of work. After laboring through the first inning, Costa settled down to hold the Falcons in check and he departed after throwing 111 pitches through his six innings of work.

Messiah, which improved to 9-8 overall and 3-0 in the MAC Commonwealth, erupted for seven runs in the top of the 10th inning to break the game open. Kyle Schoen had a two-run single in the 10th to highlight the Messiah uprising.

Albright, which dropped to 3-8 overall and 0-3 in conference play, rallied to tie the score in the bottom of the ninth inning.

With one out, Noah Beebe was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Pinch runner Kyle Gantert advanced to second when Julian Cimino grounded out to first. With two outs, Micah Storms lined a ball to center that Andrew Eyster misplayed allowing Gantert to race home with the tying run.

The error prevented Zach Luman, the Messiah starter, from picking up the victory. Luman worked 8.2 innings and allowed three hits, no earned runs and struck out 10 batters.

Drew Betz came on in relief of Luman to pick up the victory, while Trey Eberly took the loss for Albright.

Cimino, Tanner Brescancine and Jack Shevlin all recorded base hits for the Lions.

Daron Pijanowski pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Costa and Dylan Price worked a scoreless ninth inning.

Albright returns to action on Tuesday (March 22) when it hosts Scranton in a non-conference game at 3:30 p.m. at Kelchner Field.