WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. - University of Pikeville baseball was defeated 16-6 by the University of the Cumberlands Wednesday evening.  

Cumberlands got the bats going early, scoring four in the first and five in the second. UPIKE got a pair back in the top of the third, starting with a leadoff single by Samuel Torres, who was quickly swapped out for Connor Moody as a courtesy runner. Moody advanced to third two batters later when Riley Paulino belted a double to left field. With two outs and runners on second and third, Noah Helton batted in his 41st and 42nd RBIs of the season after doubling to the gap in right center.  

UC scored four more in the fourth, and the Bears responded with four runs of their own in the top of the fifth. After the Bears' leadoff hitter struck out, Riley Paulino sent one over the left-field wall, his third home run of the season. After Paulino's solo shot, Cam Revolt singled and then advanced to second after Noah Helton was hit by a pitch for the 15th time this season. After Helton reached, Austin Gurney singled to right to load the bases. With one out and the bases juiced, Tyler Maynard gave the Bears their fourth run of the evening with a single down the right field line. Two batters later, Noah Brooks drew a walk to score another run, then Helton scored after a wild pitch.  

UPIKE did not score again, and a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh walked it off for the Patriots who took this one 16-6. The Bears ended the game with six runs on ten hits, led by Riley Paulino, who went 3-4 with one RBI.  

UPIKE is now 24-13 following Wednesday's loss to UC. Bears baseball will hit the diamond again this weekend for a three-game AAC series against Truett McConnell University at Johnnie LeMaster Field. Games one and two will be on Saturday afternoon starting at noon and first pitch for game three is set for Sunday at noon.  

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