KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The sixth-seeded University of Pikeville picked up its first ever AAC tournament win on Tuesday morning when it knocked off No. 7 Columbia International (S.C.) University 3-2 at Hunter Wright Stadium.
 
UPike improved to 27-20 and will await the results of games later in the day for their opponent and game information.
 
Tied at 2-2, the Bears scored what would prove to be the winning run in the seventh inning. It began with a walk to center fielder Riley Paulino.
 
One out later, he moved to third on a fielder choice and scored when right fielder Austin Gurney singled to center.
 
Gurney's hit wrapped up a 3 for 4 day that saw him double and also score.
 
The Bears got excellent pitching on the day, as starter Kam Brodeur pitched the first seven innings to improve to 5-1 on the season. He struck out five in the win.
 
Richter Castillo pitched the final two frames for his first save of the season. He struck out four and allowed only a single hit.
 
The teams played a quick first four innings before the Bears got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth. It began when left fielder Noah Brooks singled to center, and moved to third on a double down the right-field line by Gurney.
 
Designated hitter Garren Gledhill delivered the first run of the game with a single to left field, and Gurney scored on a double play to put the Bears on top 2-0.
 
The Rams got one back in the top of the fifth when third baseman Brandon Arnold tripled to the gap in left-center and scored on a single by catcher Tanner Henderson.
 
CIU (28-21) tied the game in the top of the sixth when right fielder Mason Turner tripled to right field to score first baseman Graham Peeler, who reached on a fielder's choice.
 
The Bears had eight hits in the win. In addition to Gurney's three, Revolt,  Brooks, Gledhill, Paulino and shortstop Francis Subero all singled.
 
The Rams had seven hits on the day, led by Turner, who tripled and singled. Bradley Garland and Brandon Arnold also tripled, while Graham Peeler, Kai Smith and Henderson all singled.
 
Michael Mellenger got the decision for the Rams, falling to 3-3. He pitched three innings of relief for starter Noah Davis, who threw the first four, recording four strikeouts and allowing four hits.