Pikeville, KY – Baseball dropped it's series opener with (RV) Cumberlands Friday afternoon, falling victim to an explosive offensive performance from the Patriots that included four home runs.

The loss drops the Bears to 15-25 overall and 5-13 in MSC play ahead of a double-header with the Patriots tomorrow.

Ty Crall manned the mound for two innings to open the contest and would pick up the loss. Crall went two innings allowing four runs on five hits before being relieved by Ryan Ratliff in the third. Ratliff delivered a solid four innings of work, giving up five runs on five hits and recording a season-high four punchouts.

Demarco Miller led the Bears at the plate, going 2-2 with a stolen base and scoring the lone run. The left-fielder has recorded a hit in seven of the last 10 games for the Bears and is currently fourth on the team in hits with 31. Noah Helton added the only other hit for the Bears with a single in the sixth frame.

Cumberlands picked up momentum early with a three-run inning in the first via a pair of home runs. The Patriots added another in the second and the Bears answered with their first run of the contest an inning later. Miller led-off with a single to left center before stealing second and taking third via an error. Jared Kirkman crossed him on the next at-bat with a sacrifice fly to right field as the Bears put their only run across.

UPIKE baseball returns tomorrow, April 16^th for a double-header with the Patriots at Johnnie LeMaster Field. Senior day activities will take place between games and fans are encouraged to attend UPIKE Family Day for free food, t-shirts, and activities at the ballpark.