BECKLEY, W.Va. – Shepherd University (35-14) scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to post a 5-3 win over UVa-Wise (25-26) in first round action of the MEC Baseball Tournament at Linda K. Epling Stadium on Thursday.

Shepherd took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as junior outfielder Brenton Doyle (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) walked and scored on a double by junior outfielder Justin Smith (Hagerstown, Md./Smithsburg/Hagerstown CC).

The Cavaliers took a 2-1 lead with a pair of runs in the third. Brett Yates had an RBI-double and Tristan Peccerelli added an RBI-single to key the rally.

Wise took a 3-1 lead in the eighth behind an RBI-single by Jordon Turner.

Shepherd rallied with four runs in the bottom of the frame. Sophomore outfielder Jared Carr (Martinsburg, W.Va./St. James School) had an RBI-single, Doyle belted a two-run homer, and Smith added a solo blast to highlight the scoring outburst.

Doyle went 1-for-3 with a pair of runs scored and Smith added a 2-for-4 effort and drove in a pair of runs to pace the Rams.

Sophomore pitcher Adam Miller (Stephens City, Va./Sherando) (4.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 0 BB) (5-3) gained the win for the Rams. Junior reliever Tyler Shorter (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K, 0 BB) earned the save. Landon Faulkner (7.2 IP, 5 H, 5 ER, 3 K, 1 BB) (3-8) took the loss.

The Rams return to action on Friday when they face a yet to be determined opponent at 3:30 p.m. at Epling Stadium.