The University of Mary Washington baseball team jumped ahead early and held on for a 9-8 victory on Thursday afternoon in Bridgewater. The Eagles improve to 15-17 on the year.

UMW jumped ahead with a four-fun second inning. Kyle Bynum led off with a double, and Tyler Truslow followed by getting hit by a pitch. Ramsis Ruiz singled to load the bases, and Cody Beacorn then connected for a two-run single. Robert Cross then added a two run single to give UMW the 4-0 cushion.

UMW added three runs in the fifth inning. With one out, Thomas Weaver singled, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Christian Hague singled to move Weaver to third, and Stephen Johnston provided a sacrifice fly.

Kyle Bynum then singled, and he and Hague advanced on a wild pitch. Truslow then reached on an error to plate two runs. Bridgewater then scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to cut the score to 7-3.

UMW would lead, 7-3, until the ninth inning, when the guests scored a pair of runs, as Weaver hit a solo home run, and Truslow singled to plate another run. Bridgewater would threaten in the bottom of the ninth, scoring five runs and leaving the bases loaded, but Hank Biggs gained the save by recording the final out.

Freshman Cole Gabriele gained the win, allowing three runs on nine hits in five innings, walking none and striking out three. Weaver, Bynum, and Beacorn each had two hits for the Eagles.

UMW will be back in action on Saturday when they host Frostburg State University for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader that is key for the Eagles' playoff chances.