HARROGATE, Tenn. - - Freshman Hunter Meador lined a two-run single in the ninth inning as part of a two-hit day while fellow freshman Zack James earned his first career mound win as UVA Wise wrapped up its season opening 17-game road trip with a 5-3 non-conference victory over Lincoln Memorial University at Lamar Hennon Field Wednesday.

Meador's hit proved to be the difference maker as UVA Wise (10-7) led 3-2 when the third baseman came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. The freshman lined a single to centerfield scoring Gabe Wurtz and Isaac Whitehead to push the lead to three at 5-2.

Lincoln Memorial (6-13) would get within a run and send the tying run to the plate in its final trip to the plate. Sam Mast led off the inning with a base hit, moved to second on a passed ball and scored a hitter later on an RBI double by Grady Wright.

From there, closer Tyler Hayes would retire the next three consecutive batters to collect his third save of the year. Overall, the right-hander struck out four over two innings of work without allowing an earned run.

James picked up his first collegiate mound win by tossing a scoreless fourth inning, he is now 1-0 on the season.

LMU scored an unearned run in the second inning before an RBI groundout by Matthew Branham tied the game in the third inning.

The Cavaliers took the lead for good on a two-run double by Tyler Horvath in the sixth inning as Meador and Branham scampered home.

UVA Wise used seven pitchers in the game, the staff scattered nine hits while allowing just one earned run and striking out 10.
Branham, Meador and Horvath had two hits each to pace a 10-hit effort for Hank Banner's club.

With the win, the Cavs have now won 3-of-4 heading into the team's home opener. UVA Wise will welcome Newberry to Stallard Field this weekend for a three-game set. Game one is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday starting at 1 p.m.