BEREA, Ky. -- Michael Vaquera put together a complete-game gem on the mound in game one and third baseman Erik Manning was perfect at the plate in the nightcap to lead the University of Pikeville past Berea 8-1 and 9-3 in a doubleheader sweep on the road Wednesday.
Vaquera scattered three hits for one run with eight strikeouts and no walks in seven innings off work as his offense outhit Berea 9-3. Centerfielder Josh Bailey led the way with a pair of hits and a walk to score two runs. Designated hitter Cody Chagnon helped as well, driving in three runs on just one hit and a sacrifice fly.
UPIKE was up 5-0 after the top of the fifth inning before Mountaineer shortstop Chris Works drove in their lone run of the game in the bottom of the inning. The Bears responded with three more runs in the sixth to put the game away.
Game two was more even at the plate with UPIKE holding a slight lead in hits at 11-9, but the scoring was consistent for the Bears, pouring in multiple-run innings of two in the second, two in the fifth and three in the sixth. Added together with two more single-run frames, the Bears were able to put together the 9-3 win.
The game started with Berea scoring a run in the first inning, but UPIKE took the lead for good with two runs in the top of the second. Starter Bryce Carden earned the win after allowing two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts in five innings of work, while Jared Masters picked up the save after throwing the final two innings.
Manning went 4 for 4 and scored a run for the Bears and right fielder Mike Peluffo went 2 for 4 with a double, RBI and run scored.
UPIKE returns to action at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, hosting Mid-South Conference-foe Shawnee State (Ohio) at Johnnie LeMaster Field.
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