PEMBROKE – UNCP offset a season-low five hits with five-run frames in the second and seventh innings to help the 30th-ranked Braves clinch its weekend set with Salem International on an 11-3 win over the Fighting Tigers in the back half of a series-opening doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at Sammy Cox Field.

Four different players recorded base hits for the Braves (6-0), with senior Joe Mangum doing a bulk of the damage on a 2-for-4, three-RBI day at the plate with a pair of runs scored. Josh Haley drove in a pair of runs on a 1-for-5 hitting line, while Kyle Adair singled, walked twice and scored a pair of runs on a 1-for-2 plate performance as well. Newcomer Chase Grissom provided the only other hit of the game for the hosts on a RBI single in the second inning.

Salem International (0-2) got multi-hit days from four different players, with shortstop Michael Holbert leading the charge on a 3-for-4 day at the plate. Nicholas Arena, Kenneth Minor and Sean Williamson each recorded a pair of hits as well for the Fighting Tigers who are opening up their 2011 campaign in Pembroke.

Freshman Thomas Allen (1-0) surrendered nine hits and a trio of earned runs, but still picked up the win after striking out eight in collegiate debut. Fellow newcomer Brandon Huffman struck out four and allowed a single hit across three innings in his collegiate pitching debut, while Billy Dudding logged a strikeout in working a scoreless ninth inning for the Braves.

Elliot Swiatly (0-1) took the loss for Salem International after yielding four hits, four walks and six runs (four earned) in four innings of work. He also struck out a quartet of Braves as well.

UNCP sent nine batters to the plate in lighting up the scoreboard for five runs in the second, but Salem International used an opportunistic offensive game plan to pull to within three runs, 6-3, following a two-run fifth inning. The Braves would put the game away in the seventh, however, scoring five runs on one hit, four free passes and costly mistakes (error, passed ball) by the Fighting Tigers.

The two teams will close out the weekend on Sunday with a noon first pitch at Sammy Cox Field. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.