LOS ANGELES – The Loyola Marymount University Lions (14-24, 7-11 WCC) fell behind early, fought their way back but couldn't overcome the deficit and dropped their midweek matchup against Oregon State on Tuesday night 8-2.
 
The Lions opened up a six-game homestand on Tuesday night with the Beavers paying a visit to Page Stadium for a pair.
 
Alex Burge drew the Tuesday night start and ran into trouble from the onset. After the third out was recorded the Lions found themselves trailing by four heading into the home half of the first.
 
LMU got a pair of hits in the bottom of the third to put a runner in scoring position with one out after both Ben Grunberg and Alex Lambeau singled. With two on the Lions couldn't capitalize as the next two batters flied out.
 
The Lions did break through in the home half of the fourth. Alec Cargin tripled to bring in Diego Baqueiro for the first run, then Tommy Delgado brought Cargin home for the second run of the inning. Matthew Piotrowski hit the Lions second triple of the frame but a pair of strikeouts ended the rally.
 
Burge settled down after the first and responded with a solid outing for the Lions. He produced 4 1/3 innings of eight hit baseball with three strikeouts and two walks.
 
LMU had an opportunity to come back in the home half of the seventh, loading the bases with two outs but a Cole Roberts strikeout ended the threat.
 
The Lions and Beavers conclude their series tomorrow night with the second contest of the two-game set with first pitch slated for 6:00 p.m.