SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Shippensburg University baseball team cranked out eight runs and 11 hits on Tuesday afternoon against the reigning PSAC Champions but had some struggles in the seventh inning, dropping a 10-8 decision to California (Pa.) at the 2011 Savannah Invitational.

Shippensburg (2-10) built a 6-2 lead through six innings with some solid pitching from junior Ted Williams and clutch at-bats by sophomore Sam Phillips and junior Ben Miller.

In a three-run sixth inning, Phillips drew a bases-loaded walk and Ben Miller delivered a two-out single that plated a pair of runs. Williams started and went six innings, allowing two earned runs and five hits while striking out four batters.

California (8-5) rallied with seven runs on just three hits in the top of the seventh inning. With two outs, SU still led 6-4, but the Vulcans drew back-to-back walks – one with the bases loaded – and then smacked a grand slam to take a 9-6 lead.

Trailing 10-7 entering the bottom of the ninth, senior Jesse Smith led off the frame with a solo home run. Smith finished the day 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs. Junior Tyler Uphouse and senior Kris Kullman reached base during the ninth but both men were ultimately stranded.

Junior Eric Herman was 1-for-3 at the plate and scored three runs; senior AJ Czap scored twice, and freshman Shawn Patterson gave up just one unearned run in 2.1 innings of relief while striking out two hitters.

On Wednesday, Shippensburg will complete its participation at the 2011 Savannah Invitational when it faces Concord (W. Va.) at 2 p.m.