PEMBROKE – UNCP rallied back from an early 3-0 deficit with a trio of runs in both the second and fourth innings as the Braves snapped a two-game losing skid with an 8-4 win over visiting St. Andrews on Thursday evening at Sammy Cox Field.

The result gave UNCP (14-5) its 12th-straight victory over St. Andrews (10-5), while also helping the Braves avoid three consecutive home losses for the first time since the 2010 campaign. The Black & Gold moved to 29-20 all-time against the Knights as well.

Drew Cole singled and scored three times on a 3-for-4 night at the plate, while Daniel Fraga drove in a trio of runs on a 2-for-4 hitting line for the Braves, who also got a 2-for-4 hitting line from Jordan Edgerton. Ben Schmucker homered for the second time this season on a 1-for-4 outing, while Drew Alford singled, walked and scored twice on a 1-for-2 showing for the hosts as well.

Ryan Harrold walked and registered a pair of singles on a 3-for-4 night for St. Andrews, who also got a homer from Michael Durig (1-for-4).

Freshman Logan Cook (2-0) struck out six and scattered three hits and an unearned run over four strong relief innings from the hill to pick up the win for UNCP, while Jimmie Davis struck out four over three hitless relief innings as well but did not pick up a decision. Starter Max Everingham (1-2) saddled the loss for the Knights after yielding four earned runs on six hits in just three innings of work.

Durig homered to spark a three-run second inning for the visitors, but UNCP answered the call with three of their own in the bottom half of the inning, and then took the lead for good on Schmucker's solo homer with two outs in the third. A two-run single by Fraga, coupled with a sacrifice fly by Zade Denton, in the fourth would push that advantage out to 6-1.

UNCP will close out a seven-game home stand this weekend when the Braves suit up to battle Peach Belt Conference newcomer Young Harris (8-7, 1-5 PBC) in a weekend set at Sammy Cox Field. The squads will open up the series with a 1 p.m. doubleheader and close out the weekend with a 1 p.m. single game on Sunday.

To watch the full game click PART 1 or PART 2.