Staff report

FLORENCE, S.C. — Catawba beat UNC Pembroke 7-5 in neutral Florence, S.C. on Tuesday afternoon in front of mostly empty seats.

Attendance was announced at 68.

Fans missed a pretty good game. Catawba (30-11) jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings and was able to hang on for a 7-5 win. Hayden Simmerson (Carson) got the last two outs in the ninth for his 10th save.

Hunter Atkins and James Dunlap had two RBIs apiece for the Indians.

Matthew Connolly (West Rowan) had two hits for the 17th-ranked Indians. Nathan Chrismon (South Rowan) and Logan Dyer (East Rowan) scored two runs. Chrismon stole two bases.

Braedon Major started on the mound. Seth Sharpe, one of five Catawba pitchers, got the win. Cole Hales (Carson) pitched three innings.

UNC Pembroke is 23-19.