BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Gardner-Webb rallied for four runs over the final two innings, but fell short in a 7-5 loss to Elon Tuesday in non-conference baseball action.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (1-4) took an early lead in the bottom of the first, striking with two outs. Alec Burns ripped a double into the gap in right center and Jacob McCaskey followed with a rope down the left field line that fell for a double and plated Burns easily.

Elon (2-2) rebounded in the top of the third to take the lead for good.

Kenny Mallory singled home Connor Coolahan to tie the score, then Ryan Sprock hit a two-run opposite field shot over the fence in right to put the Phoenix up 3-1.

Gardner-Webb's pitching staff kept the visitors off the board until the top of the seventh, when catcher Parker Haskin drove a single through the right side to push the score to 4-1. Cole Reynolds then came through with the big hit, hammering a three-run homer to make the score 7-1.

The Runnin' Bulldogs wouldn't go quietly into the night.

Burns drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a sharp single into left from Mark Black. Bo Rusher III came through with two outs, ripping a two-run double into the gap in left center to pull Gardner-Webb within 7-3.

Gardner-Webb's bullpen kept Elon off the board in the top of the ninth, and the Runnin' Bulldogs set their sights on another two-out rally. Jacob Marcos singled into right field with one away, then stole second with two outs to get into scoring position.

Burns made sure Marcos scored easily, belting a 93 mph fastball over the fence in left center to trim the lead to 7-5.

Elon closer Ben Simon closed the door, getting a ground ball to shortstop to end the game.

Gardner-Webb managed 10 hits in the game, led by Burns (2-for-4, HR), Marcos (2-for-4) and McCaskey (2-for-5). Black (1-for-4), Rusher (1-for-2), Trevor Mattson (1-for-4) and Nate Anderson (1-for-4) also had hits for the 'Dogs.

Starter Reid Bertram (0-1) took the loss despite a strong effort, allowing three runs in 3.1 innings of work. Bertram struck out three and walked just one batter.

Connor Maggi, Lenny Washington, Phil Fox and Dalton Wood each enjoyed scoreless appearances out of the Gardner-Webb bullpen, with Maggi striking out five batters in 2.2 innings of work.

Elon had eight hits, with Mallory (2-for-5) leading the way.

Reynolds (1-0) picked up the win, hurling 5.0 innings with three strikeouts and only one run allowed. He scattered five hits and had an impact on offense himself with the three-run home run. Simon picked up the save, striking out a pair in 1.1 innings of work.

Gardner-Webb will be back at home on Friday, hosting Big Ten foe Northwestern at 4:00 pm at John Henry Moss Stadium and Bill Masters Field. Tickets are available online at GWUSports.com.