After building a 5-0 lead on Friday, the Bowling Green Hot Rods couldn’t hang on late, losing to host Augusta 7-5 at Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta, Ga.

Ahead 5-4 entering the bottom of the eighth, things took a tough turn for the Hot Rods.

Johnny Monell got things started with an RBI double that scored James Simmons – who led off with a single – to tie the game. The run was the first Bowling Green (14-15) closer Jamie Bagley had allowed all season.

But it wouldn’t be the last.

Ehire Adrianza tripled two hitters later, scoring Monell to give the GreenJackets (11-18) their first lead of the night.

Adrianza gave Augusta some insurance later in the inning, when he successfully stole home to make it 7-5.

Bagley’s blown save spoiled a terrific first half of the game for Bowling Green, as Jake Jefferies and Mike Sheridan picked up RBI hits in the top of the first to give the Hot Rods the early 2-0 lead. In the second, Jeremy Beckham added an RBI single and brother Tim Beckham hit an RBI sacrifice fly to put Bowling Green up 4-0.

The Hot Rods would go up 5-0 in the top of the fifth when Jefferies hit his second homer of the season.

Augusta would begin its comeback in the bottom half of the fifth, plating four runs – the big blow coming on a three-RBI triple from Ben Woodbury.

Bowling Green starter Shane Dyer allowed four runs on six hits before exiting with two outs in the fifth. Augusta reliever Christopher Wilson (1-1) picked up the win by throwing two scoreless innings.

The Hot Rods will now fight for the split of the series and a split of their eight-game trip tonight. Righty Chris Andujar (3-2, 2.49) faces Augusta lefty Aaron King (1-1, 5.63) in the series finale. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.