PEMBROKE, N.C. – Shepherd University dropped a 5-2 decision to UNC Pembroke in baseball action at UNC Pembroke in the season opener for both schools on Friday.

The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when River Ryan singled and later scored on a passed ball.

Shepherd took a 2-1 lead in the fifth with an RBI-single by junior outfielder Jared Carr (Martinsburg, W.Va./St. James School) keying the rally. Graduate student outfielder Trustin Riley (Harrisburg, Pa./Mercersburg Academy/Tampa) and senior shortstop Trenton Burgreen (Winchester, Va./Millbrook) each reached on a walk and later scored.

UNC Pembroke tied the game in the bottom of the fifth as Trevor Clemons doubled and later scored on a wild pitch.

Bobby Dixon hit a three-run blast in the seventh to lift the Braves to the win.

Junior third baseman Joey Goldsmith (Vienna, Va./James Madison/Pitt CC) and sophomore catcher Zach Doss (Waldorf, Md./North Point/Maryland) each had a 1-for-3 effort to lead the Rams.

Ryan and Clemons each went 2-for-4 to lead the Braves.

Landon Smith (3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K, 2 BB) (1-0) earned the win. Ryan (1.0 IP, 2 K, 0 BB) retired the Rams in order in the ninth to gain the save. Senior reliever Tyler Shorter (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) (2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 1 K, 2 BB) (0-1) took the loss.

The two teams return to action on Saturday for a 1 p.m. game at UNC Pembroke.