ELIZABETHTON, TN — The Kingsport Axmen strung together a six-run comeback against the Bristol State Liners last Friday.

Three days later, it looked like the Axmen were going to rally again. Trailing 6-0 after five frames, Kingsport plated a run in the sixth and a pair in the seventh.

The Axmen cut Elizabethton’s lead in half but got no closer as the River Riders fended off the late push to win, 7-3, Monday evening at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark.

Kingsport (4-12) dropped both games of the two-game set to Elizabethton (25-20) after the Axmen won three straight over the Bristol State Liners heading into the series.

Centerfielder Kyle Williams put Kingsport on the board in the sixth, bringing home Marco Romero from third. Romero led off with a double before moving to third on a groundout.

In his next at-bat, Romero rocked another extra-base hit off the wall, scoring two Road Warriors.

Right-handed reliever Landon Slemp kept Kingsport within reach. Slemp spun 3 2/3 innings, allowing just one unearned run.

Following a league-wide off-day Tuesday, the Axmen resume action with a doubleheader at Greeneville Wednesday. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. at Pioneer Park.