Derbyshire suffered a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to Lancashire in the Vitality Blast fixture at Aigburth.
Alex Hughes top-scored for the Falcons, as they could only manage 98-7 from their 20 overs, with Mattie McKiernan (24 not out) and Harvey Hosein (10 not out) also reaching double-figures.
Keaton Jennings finished unbeaten on 49 for the hosts, with Alex Davies making 36 before Dane Vilas (13 not out) hit a six with 16 balls to go to secure victory.
Derbyshire were put into bat after losing the toss, and they lost their top four batsmen within six overs, leaving them 18-4 at the end of the powerplay, as the group-topping Lightning took control.
Hughes hit two fours in his innings, while McKiernan struck the only six of Derbyshire’s knock, as they closed on 98-7.
The opening pair of Jennings and Davies put on 61 runs before Matt Critchley made the breakthrough, while Leus du Plooy claimed his first Vitality Blast wicket when Josh Bohannon (3) was brilliantly caught by McKiernan.
Vilas smashed a six down the ground to secure the win for Lancashire in the 18th over.
Derbyshire will now turn their attention to the crucial Bob Willis Trophy clash against Lancashire on the same ground, starting on Sunday at 10.30am.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons return to Twenty20. Follow every game live on our match centre at derbyshireccc.com. Derbyshire Falcons: Underestimated No More.