NASHVILLE, Tenn.. -- Dominick McIntyre got a leadoff double in the top of the ninth inning but the Lions were not able to bring the tying run home as North Alabama dropped a 3-2 decision at second ranked Vanderbilt.

Trailing by a run, UNA was able to sacrifice McIntyre to third base but Vanderbilt closer Nick Maldonado got a pair of ground-outs to end the threat and push the Commodores record to 35-10. UNA is now 7-39.

Vanderbilt was the third nationally ranked Southeastern Conference team that the Lions have faced this season, joining the list with then second ranked Mississippi State and third ranked Ole Miss.

North Alabama got on the scoreboard first with a run in the second inning. Austin Thrasher was hit by a pitch with two outs, stole second and then scored on a Dominick McIntyre RBI-single.

Vanderbilt tied it in the bottom of the second when Isiah Thomas was hit by pitch and stole three bases to tie the game.

The Commodores went on top 3-1 with a pair of runs in the third inning off UNA's Chase Best.

The Lions got a run back in the fourth when Thrasher was again hit-by-pitch, McIntyre walked and Thrasher later scored on a throwing error on a double steal.

Neither team would score the rest of the way.

Best (1-10) took the loss for UNA, allowing just two runs on five hits over three innings. Kyle Moore pitched three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit.

McIntyre had two of the Lions four hits in the game.

The Lions play their final game of the season next Tuesday at Auburn.