The Lipscomb Bisons started out quickly, but couldn’t sustain the momentum in an 8-3 loss to Middle Tennessee State at Reese Smith, Jr., Field in Murfreesboro Wednesday.

Justin Sanders was the bright spot for the Bisons with three hits, including a first inning triple. He has three triples this season.

It was also his seventh multi-hit game of the season and the second time he has recorded three hits in a game.

M.L. Williams also had two hits for the Bisons.

The Bisons opened with two runs in the first inning. Tyler Wilson was hit by a pitch and then stole second. Allen Bolden grounded to first base, moving Wilson to third. Sanders tripled to center field to score Wilson.

Tennyson Dodd was safe at first on a throwing error by MTSU’s third baseman. Sanders scored on the play.

The Bisons would not score again until the eighth inning.

Bolden singled to third base. Sanders then singled up the middle. Bolden stole third and scored on a throwing error by MTSU’s catcher. The next three Bisons batters went down in order, including two strikeouts.

Middle Tennessee scored one run in the fourth, three fifth and four in the eighth.

Charles Williams, 0-3, started on the mound for the Bisons. He threw six innings and gave up eight hits and four runs, two earned. He walked two and struck out five.

Matt Bowling relieved Williams and pitched the final two innings. He gave up three hits and four runs, all earned. Bowling walked one batter and struck out two.

The Bisons fell to 5-7. Middle Tennessee is 10-2.

The Bisons are back home at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen L. Marsh Stadium Friday and Saturday for a three-game Atlantic Sun series.