Box Score (pdf)

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University overcame a 5-2 deficit, but North Alabama scored four runs in the final two innings to pull away for a 10-6 victory in the Atlantic Sun Conference series opener on Friday at Earle Combs Stadium.
 
After Wes Walker gave North Alabama a 2-0 lead with a 2-run home run in the top of the second, Silas Shaffer answered with a 2-run dinger in the bottom of the inning to tie the game for the Colonels.  It was the first of the season for Shaffer.
 
The Lions scored three times in the third to break the tie.  Nash Rippen hit a 2-run homer with one out.
 
EKU (10-32, 4-15 ASUN) took the lead with four runs in the bottom of the fourth.  Kobe Benson plated Shaffer with a sacrifice fly.  David Alvarez tied it with a 2-run double to left center.  Khaleel Pratt capped the big inning with an RBI single to center, putting the home team on top 6-5.
 
North Alabama tied it in the top of the seventh on a ground out off the bat of Cayden Sheffield.  Two runs scored on a fielding error, with two outs, in the top of the eighth to break the tie for UNA.
 
Shaffer finished 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs.  Alvarez was 2-for-4 with a walk, a run and two driven in.
 
Rippen had a 2-for-4 game with two runs and two RBIs for North Alabama (21-20, 12-7 ASUN).  Sheffield finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs.  Gavin Oswald pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.  He allowed one hit, one walk and struck out five.
 
Saturday's game will begin at 1 p.m.  Teachers In The Bleachers is scheduled for Saturday.  All EKU faculty/staff and Madison County teachers can receive one FREE ticket to the game.