After a 45-minute rain delay, the skies cleared and UNC Wilmington baseball was back in action as the Seahawks looked to take a series win from Old Dominion University. As the weather improved, so did the Seahawks (14-12, 9-2 CAA), riding a stellar seven-inning performance from pitcher Mat Batts to a 7-3 win over the Monarchs (10-17, 2-6 CAA), Saturday afternoon.

The UNCW bats stayed hot, scoring four runs in the first, partially due to RBI doubles from first baseman Hunter Ridge and shortstop Jake Koenig. Batts was exceptional on the bump, only allowing three runs and striking out three.

“He’s been working on some adjustments and was able to carry them out on the field today,” Seahawk skipper Mark Scalf said. “He was able to throw in the zone and went deeper in the game because of it.”

It was another successful afternoon for UNCW’s offense, putting up seven runs on 10 hits, less then 24 hours after putting up 10 on the Monarchs in Friday night’s opening game of the series. Ridge was the offensive catalyst today, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and scoring a run. Designated hitter Corey Dick also added a couple RBI.

Scalf was optimistic about this team’s offensive potential. “Everyone had quality at-bats,” Scalf said. “The balls were hit hard and our approach was outstanding.”

Brandon Smith took the loss for the Monarchs. He labored through three innings, allowing six runs on six hits, walking two and striking out four.

The Seahawks relief pitching also stepped up Saturday afternoon, with both Jack Lane and William Prince each throwing an inning of scoreless ball. With the series win in hand, the Seahawks look to sweep Old Dominion as they finish the series tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.