Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Nick Macey against Stonehill in 2015. 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - - Fourth ranked Franklin Pierce jumped out to an early lead on its way to a 12-4 victory over the Wilmington University baseball team on Sunday morning to wrap up play and the opening weekend at the Ripken Experience.

A five run second inning and a three run third inning put the Wildcats (1-3) behind the eight ball as the NCBWA and Collegiate Baseball fourth ranked Ravens (5-0) held leads of 8-0 and 9-1 before both teams scored late.

After a scoreless first inning, the Ravens got to starting pitching John Hetterman in the second. A walk and then four straight hits, including an inside the park home run, to start the inning put the Ravens up 5-0. Another home run and four total hits in the third inning extended Franklin Pierce's lead to 8-0 after two and a half innings.

The Wildcats got on the board in the bottom of the third, as freshmen Julian Kurych doubled and Max Carney tripled with two outs to break the ice.

A third homer to lead off the fourth gave the Ravens a 9-1 lead before Zach Frederick came on to stymie the Ravens' offense for the next four innings. Frederick struck out four batters while only allowing two hits in his collegiate debut.

Trailing 11-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Wildcats got two back two outs in the inning. With the bases loaded, Kendall Small reached on an error by the third baseman, bringing in the first run. Brad Scull was hit by a pitch to bring in another run before the Ravens got out of the inning with a grounder.

The Wildcats threatened again in the ninth inning, putting runners on first and third with only one out after a Kurych double and Carney single. Dan Hyatt singled into left field to bring home Kurych, but it was too little too late as the Ravens induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the game, 12-4.

Carney led the team by going 3-for-5 with a double and a triple while Kurych went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. JR Gregory and Nick Macey also doubled for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats head south once again when they play their next context to start their annual Florida Trip. The Wildcats begin play in Florida with a game against American International on Sunday, March 6.