The University of Pikeville split a doubleheader on Saturday with Columbia International (S.C.) University, winning the opener 7-5 before falling in the finale 8-0.
 
In doing so, they took the series 2-1.
 
UPike is now 17-12 on the season, 9-9 in the AAC. The Bears will return to Johnnie LeMaster Field on Tuesday, hosting Georgetown College for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
 
CIU is 12-22 on the season, 10-10 in the conference.
 
Bears 7, Rams 5: The Bears scored in three straight innings to build a 6-0 lead and held on for the win in the opener.
 
First baseman Joe Gagnon had two hits including a titanic home run, scoring twice and driving in two. Left fielder Noah Brooks had two hits, one of them a double, with two RBIs and a run scored.
 
Centerfielder Riley Paulino had three hits and scored three times, while third baseman Mason Melton had two hits, scored and drove one in. Shortstop Frances Subero had a hit and drove in two, while Cole Fowler doubled.
 
Kameron Brodeur (4-1) pitched the first six innings to get the win. He fanned six. Dawson Schultz threw the final three innings to earn his first save.
 
Rams 8, Bears 0: CIU scored twice in the third and added one in the fourth before posting six in the top of the seventh to salvage a win in the finale of the three-game series.
 
It was only the second time this season the Bears have been shut out.
 
The Bears were limited to three hits in the game. Paulino had a double while second baseman Easton Mould and designated hitter Garren Gledhill singled.
 
Starting pitcher Shaye McTavish (2-3) got the decision, throwing the first three. Reed Sutton, one of three relievers, struck out five in three innings of work.