KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Pikeville wrapped up an AAC series by splitting a Sunday-afternoon doubleheader at Johnson University.
 
The Royals won the opener 5-3 but the Bears earned the split 5-1.
 
UPike is now 11-4 overall and 5-3 in the conference. It will return to action on Tuesday afternoon, hosting Lindsey Wilson College at 4 p.m. at Johnnie LeMaster Field.
 
Eagles 5, Bears 3: The Bears couldn't overcome a four-run first inning and dropped the opener.
 
Graduate student Noah Helton continued crushing the baseball, picking up a double and a home run. It was his second home run of the weekend series and fourth of the season. He scored twice in the game.
 
Tyler Maynard also had two hits, while Hunter Ferguson had one and two runs driven in.
 
Noah Brooks, Cam Revolt, Francis Subero and Tyler Freas also singled. Brooks scored the other run for the Bears.
 
Starting pitcher Ryan Ratliff (2-1) went the first seven for the Bears, striking out seven and allowing all five runs. Grayson Harris threw the eighth inning, striking out two.
 
Bears 5, Eagles 1: Shaye Mctavish threw a complete-game two hitter to improve to 3-0 on the season.
 
Catcher Hunter Ferguson led the offensive attack with three hits and drove in three runs thanks to a three-run double in the fourth inning to start the scoring. Riley Paulino added a hit and drove in the other two in the seventh.
 
Ryan Sartin singled and scored twice from the leadoff spot, while Helton and Subero each singled and scored. Maynard walked and scored for the Bears.