BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - University of Pikeville baseball picked up a pair of 4-2 wins over Union Saturday.
Game 1: UPIKE 4, Union 2
The Bulldogs drew first blood after a one-out double to right. UPIKE tied the game at 1-1 one frame later, starting with Noah Brooks drawing a walk then moving into scoring position after Francis Subero was hit by a pitch. With two on and two on base, Tyler Freas came through with an RBI double to left to tie the score.
The Bears took the lead in the next inning, beginning with a one-out walk by Noah Helton. Helton scored two batters later after an error and Tyler Maynard made his way to second. Noah Brooks made the Bulldogs pay for the mistake with a two-run home run to put the Bears up 4-1. Union would score one in the fifth but would not score again, as Bears pitching keep the Bulldogs' bats at bay.
Riley Paulino started on the mound and kept his undefeated streak alive after another fantastic performance on the mound. Paulino went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and striking out six. Richtter Castillo recorded his sixth save of the season after pitching 2.0 innings, allowing zero runs on one hit and a strikeout.
Game 2: UPIKE 4, Union 2
Noah Helton led off the top of the third with a three-bagger, then scored the game's first run after a sacrifice fly to center by Austin Gurney. Two innings later, Tyler Maynard dreew a one-out walk then stole second to get into scoring position. With two outs and Maynard on second, Francis Subero belted a double to center field to put the Bears ahead 2-0.
Union rallied in the bottom of the fifth, tying the game. After a scoreless sixth, the teams went into the seventh inning tied at 2-2. With two outs in the top of the seventh, Tyler Maynard stepped up to the plate and drew a walk. Maynard then got into scoring position after stealing second. After Maynard's stolen base, Noah Brooks walked to put two on base. Francis Subero emptied the bases one at-bat later, putting the Bears up 4-2. Just like game one, Richtter Castillo checked in and recorded his second save in as many games.
Shaye McTavish had another solid start allowing two runs on five hits and striking out five over 5.0 innings of work. Grayson Harris was credited with the win after pitching one inning, striking out two. Castillo also had one strikeout in his one inning of work as well.
With Saturday's wins, UPIKE takes the series and locks up a top-three spot in the AAC tournament. UPIKE currently sits in third place with a conference record of 20-8, a half-game behind Tennessee Wesleyan who is 20-7. Game three between the Bears and Bulldogs will take place Sunday afternoon with first pitch set for noon.
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