Pikeville, Ky. - There was lots of action at Johnnie Lemaster Field today as the Bears took on the Toccoa Falls Screaming Eagles in their 2023 home opener. UPIKE got off to a good start but ultimately fell 11-5. 

Jairemy Pulido got off to a hot start on the mound, retiring the Screaming Eagles in order in the top of the first. In the bottom of the first, Ryan Sartin got the UPIKE offense started with a leadoff single. Two batters later, Noah Helton homered to left field and the Bears led 2-0 after one. Toccoa Falls tied the score in the top of the second, then Greg Lile stole the lead right back in the bottom half of the inning with a solo shot to left. 

The Screaming Eagles took the lead in the top of the third off an error. In the bottom of the inning, Kyle Williams sent the UPIKE dugout into a frenzy with some aggressive baserunning. Williams tied the game at 4-4 on an errant throw to second base. 

Despite the strong start, the Bears' offense struggled after the third. The Bears did not have a baserunner from innings four through eight. The Screaming Eagles, meanwhile, scored one in the fourth, two in the fifth, one in the sixth and three in the top of the ninth. 

UPIKE's offense got some much needed momentum in the bottom of the ninth when Noah Helton hit his second home run of the game. Cam Revolt and Tyler Maynard walked but neither would end up scoring. The Screaming Eagles would go on to take this one 11-5

Noah Helton was today's player of the game, going 2-4 with two home runs and three RBIs. Coach Cody Andreychuk's UPIKE Bears will be back in action tomorrow at high noon for a double header with the Screaming Eagles. 

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