The Auburn Wildcats (28-19) came out firing, but couldn't hang on to the lead, ending up on the losing side of an 11-7 ballgame against the Alameda Merchants (22-19) on Friday at Fireman's Memorial Ballpark.

The Alameda Merchants took the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Jake Westhorpe.

The Alameda Merchants scored five runs in the first inning to build an early lead.

Brandon Alexander got on base four times in the game for the Alameda Merchants. He scored three runs and had one RBI. He singled in the first and second innings.

Joel Deporte looked sharp on the mound. The Auburn Wildcats managed just two hits off of Deporte, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out two during his three innings of work.

Austin Wiggins improved to 3-2 on the year by picking up the win for the Alameda Merchants. He struck out three, walked two and surrendered three hits.

Michael Proiette couldn't get it done on the bump for the Auburn Wildcats, taking a loss. He allowed eight runs in four innings, walked six and struck out five.