DURHAM, N.C.- Kyle McGowin struck out nine batters in six innings of work but it was the Tigers bullpen that fell apart as North Carolina Central rallied from a 2-0 deficit to score six runs in the eighth inning in a 6-2 loss to the Eagles at Durham Athletic Park.

Trailing 2-0 in the eighth, Edward Pegues hit a two run single to tie the game while Derrell Parker hit a grand slam to break the game open for a 6-2 lead.

SSU could only muster one hit in the ninth, a single by Matt Nowacki, to end any threats of a comeback.

The loss drops Savannah State to 15-13 while NCCU improved to 2-25.

The game was a pitcher's duel with McGowin striking out six and NCCU's Sam Fulmer striking out eight in 7.1 innings.

SSU led 2-0 after two innings of play.

Dexter Kelley led off the game with a double and scored after a triple by Joseph McCrary. Peter Poole led off the second with a walk and stole second. Poole advanced to third on a flyout by Chris Arnold and scored on a grounder to third by Kevin Herlihy.

Kelley had two hits for the Tigers. Jason Wynn was tagged with the loss, giving up one hit and three runs in two-thirds of a inning.