PEMBROKE – Eleventh-ranked UNCP scored eight runs on 11 hits and five ill-timed miscues by seventh-ranked North Georgia to even up its weekend series with the visiting Saints with an 8-2 victory in the back half of a series-opening doubleheader on Saturday at Sammy Cox Field.

Junior Aaron Parnell drove in two runs on a 3-for-4 night for UNCP (13-1, 1-1 PBC) who also got two hits apiece from three other players. Jason Coker homered for the first time this season to earmark a 2-for-4 hitting line, Eitan Maoz singled twice on four trips to the plate and Josh Haley scored a pair of runs on a 2-for-5 outing for the Braves as well.

Troy Snitker walked and doubled on a perfect 3-for-3 night for North Georgia (9-2, 1-1) who also got base hits from four other players as well. Derek Hooper and Kenny Bellavance each doubled on 1-for-4 plate showings for the Saints as well.

Brad Isom (4-0) yielded his first two earned runs of the season in the fourth, but still delivered his fourth quality start of the season and picked up the win after scattering six hits and striking out five in eight innings from the mound. Garrett Smith (1-1) saddled the loss for North Georgia after yielding three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk in just two innings of work.

UNCP shook off a slow start in the series opener to set the tone early this time around, scoring four runs in the first three innings to grab a lead it would not surrender. North Georgia cut its deficit in half with two runs in the fourth, but the Braves put the game away in the sixth, taking advantage of four hits and three errors by the Saints in tacking up four more runs. The frame would be highlighted by Coker's two-run blast to the gap in left field.

After allowing doubles by each of the first two batters in the fourth, Isom settled down to silence the North Georgia bats for the rest of his outing, retiring 14 of the final 16 batters he faced. He was also aided by a clutch double play in the sixth after allowing a leadoff walk.

The Braves and North Georgia will close out their weekend series at Sunday afternoon at Sammy Cox Field. First pitch of the weekend rubber game is set for 1 p.m. 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.