PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Augusta University baseball team opened a Peach Belt Conference series at 21st nationally-ranked UNC Pembroke on Friday night and won 18-16 in an offensive battle.
The Jaguars (2-6,1-3 PBC) totaled 19 hits to UNCP's 15 to win the first game of the road series.
Devin Bilardello, Zack Goble, Timothy Gray, and Mason Robertson all had three hits to lead the AU offense.
The Braves scored first with a run in the second, but Augusta answered with three in the third. UNCP took one back with another lone run in the third, but AU jabbed back again and took a 7-3 lead after scoring in the fourth and four in the fifth.
Augusta exploded for seven runs in the top of the sixth on four hits – highlighted by Mason Robertson's three-run homer.
UNCP wasn't done and plated five in the seventh and six in the eighth to take the lead. AU tied it 16-16 in the ninth and took a lead when Timothy Gray and Robertson hit singles. The Jags held off the Braves and stranded runners in the ninth to win 18-16.
Augusta used eight pitchers in the game.
The PBC series continues on Saturday, Feb. 17 with game two of the series scheduled for a
Augusta hosts Valdosta State on Wednesday, Feb. 21 for a 4:00 p.m. single non-conference contest at Lake Olmstead Stadium.
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