Every team has its runs during the season, and the UNC Wilmington baseball team sure is making the most of its recent winning ways. After starting the season at a dismal 3-9 record, the Seahawks prevailed over Old Dominion Friday night at Brooks Field 10-4 to push themselves above .500.

After allowing the Monarchs (10-16, 2-5 CAA) to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, the Seahawks (13-12, 8-2) tied the game in the bottom half, and took the lead in the second when Matt Campbell singled and batted in Jake Koenig, making the score 2-1.

They would never look back.

Leading 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth, UNCW reeled off four runs in the inning, pushing their lead to 8-3. Highlighted by a hit to right field by Andrew Cain that plated two runners, the inning proved to be the turning point in the game.

This was all part of a 16-hit game for the Seahawks, led by Michael Bass, Campbell, and Koenig, who had three hits apiece. Bass and Campbell also finished with two RBI each, while Koenig scored three runs.

“We had to stay in the middle of the field and use the whole field to hit the ball,” said coach Mark Scalf. “And I think up and down the line we did a good job of that.”

Part of the reason why the conference-leading Seahawks were so successful in the game was because of the team’s season-high six steals.

“Their pitcher is not extremely quick to the plate,” said Scalf. “We put a stop watch on every pitcher, and we know what the catchers are able to do. When the time’s in our favor, we try to take advantage of it.”

Tyler McSwain earned his fourth consecutive win in a solid outing for UNCW. After allowing the one run in the first inning, McSwain held the Monarchs at bay into the eighth inning until he was taken out for Kelly Secrest with the score 8-4. Secrest then struck out three of the six batters he faced to end the game.

Ben Tomchick was given the loss for the Monarchs. He pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up eight runs. D.J. Engler then came on in relief and allowed the final two runs.

This was the first game of a three-game series for the teams, but Scalf does not see them adjusting their strategy much. “Our approach against this club is very similar,” said Scalf. “Their starters this weekend are three very similar guys. We’ve got to come out aggressive; we’ve got to play the game with energy and great concentration and focus. We challenge the players to come back with the same energy.”