LEESBURG, Fla. – Albion College held a 7-3 lead over Transylvania University going to the bottom of the ninth Thursday, but it let its opponent off the hook. The Pioneers rallied for five runs on three hits in the ninth to hand the Britons a 8-7 setback in spring break action.

Starting pitcher Mike Schypinski allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings. He was in line to earn his first victory of the season after Eric Shimmel and Kyle Kowal laced RBI singles in the fifth to break a 3-3 tie.

Kowal and Spencer Bonofiglio drove in runs in the eighth.

Albion immediately ran into trouble in the bottom of the ninth as Transylvania's first batter reached on an error, the next two batters were hit by pitches, and the fourth batter walked to drive in a run. The Pioneers got a walk and three more singles to complete the comeback.

Kowal produced two of Albion's seven hits and he finished with three RBI. B.J. Konkle hit a two-run single in the first inning and he drew a pair of walks.

Albion will challenge the University of Mount Union for a pair of games Friday morning, with the first pitch set for 9:30 at Lake Myrtle Park in Auburndale. Bobby Lee will provide the play-by-play for the internet broadcast at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/albionsports.