PEMBROKE – The UNC Pembroke softball team put together another big day at the plate with 27 hits – including 11 of the extra-base variety – to fuel a pair of run-rule victories, 9-0 and 16-1, over Fayetteville State on Tuesday at the UNCP Softball Field.
 
Seven different Braves had extra base hits, including a home run in game two by Alyssa Price. The stellar offensive performance was also highlighted by Rendi Wetherington's triple and double.
 
Jordan Hall (2-0) had a standout day in the circle in game one with five strikeouts in just three innings of work. Raygan Larson picked up the save in game one after recording the final six outs, all via strikeout.
 
Malerie Leviner (2-1) recorded the win for the Black & Gold in game two, striking out six batters and allowing just two hits in four innings of work. Reliever Jessica Williams pitched a scoreless fifth inning, but was not awarded a decision.
 
The squads opened the day with a scoreless inning in game one of the twinbill, but the Black & Gold broke the game wide open by scoring five runs on four hits and as many errors by the Broncos. Tatum Brummitt's two-run triple keyed a 3-run fourth inning for the hosts as well.
 
UNC Pembroke put up 12 runs in the fourth inning, fueled by a two-run homer over the left field fence from Alyssa Price. The Braves nearly batted around their lineup twice on the massive inning. Fayetteville State scored their only run of the day in the opening frame of the nightcap on an Alexandria White single that scored Mallory Carpenter. The Broncos loaded the bases in the third inning, but were unable to do any more damage.
 
The Braves will open the road portion of their 2019 schedule on Saturday when they travel to Salisbury to take on Catawba (2-0). First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Whitley Field.