PEMBROKE, N.C. - The Crimson Hawks had 18 hits, including six for extra bases, as they defeated UNC Pembroke 13-7 Saturday afternoon at Sammy Cox Field. The win helped IUP split its doubleheader with the Braves, falling 5-4 in day's opener. 

It marked the first win of the season and in the collegiate head coaching career of Steve Kline.

How it happened
In IUP's win, the Hawks scored early and often, taking an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Markus Cestra led off the game with a triple then scored on a single by Peyton Johnson. Colton Burd and Torrey Roper added run-scoring hits in the first. 

IUP put together a big fourth inning with Nick Hess and Burd hitting back-to-back home runs. Hess' shot was a 3-run homer, bringing in Austin Mueller and Johnson. The homers gave IUP an 8-0 lead.

Burd brought home another run with a single in the sixth before the Hawks took a 12-3 lead in the seventh with the help of RBI singles from Johnson and Mueller. 

With the Braves putting together a rally, the Hawks added an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Johnson crossed the plate on a throwing error. 

In the opener, IUP trailed 5-1 before putting together a late rally. Mueller drove in a run with a double in the seventh and Hess made it a 5-4 game in the ninth with a 2-out, 2-run double. 

At the plate
Austin Mueller: 6-8, 4 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Nick Hess: 3-9, 2 R, 2B, HR, 6 RBI
Markus Cestra: 4-9, 2 R, 3B, 2 SB
Colton Burd: 3-5, R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI (game two)
Torrey Roper: 4-8, 2B, RBI

On the mound
Tyler Diefenbach: 4,0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 K
Jimmy Tooley: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 K

Up next
The Crimson Hawks return to North Carolina next weekend to compete against Lock Haven and Millersville in a pair of doubleheaders. 

Follow
For coverage of the IUP baseball program, follow the Crimson Hawks on Twitter and Instagram @IUPBaseball and online at IUPAthletics.com.