JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A late home run from Tripp McKinlay and great pitching from the bullpen helped North Florida baseball (16-13, 6-6 ASUN) take the series against Eastern Kentucky (9-23, 6-6 ASUN) on Sunday afternoon at Harmon Stadium.

The Ospreys loaded the bases in the first on three straight singles. Drew Leinenbach scored on a sacrifice fly to the EKU second baseman. The Colonels were able to strand the bases loaded following a two-out walk from Connor Moore.

UNF received an excellent start from Tony Roca, but he ran into problems in the fourth. With runners at second and third, Ron Franklin pulled a double down the line to take a 2-1 lead. Roca finished with a no-decision, giving North Florida five strong innings of work.

The Ospreys would knot the score at two an inning later, as McKinlay brought home Finn Howell on a ground ball. McKinlay's impressive day continued in the seventh lacing a solo home run to five UNF the late lead. Lance Bolton locked down the final five outs and clinched a series victory for Ospreys.

UNF 3, EKU 2

Pitchers of Record
Win: Zane Starling (4-0) 
Loss: Joe Clancy (1-2)

Line Scores
UNF | 3 R, 8 H, 0 E, 10 LOB
EKU | 2 R, 5 H, 1 E, 4 LOB

Statistical Leaders
UNF
Tripp McKinlay | 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Jabin Bates | 2-3, 2B, BB
Tony Roca | 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 5 K

EKU
Conner Davis | 2-4, R
Ron Franklin | 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI

NOTES

• UNF won their first series since Mar. 15-17 against Queens.
• Tripp McKinlay extended his hit streak to six games.
• Zane Starling is a perfect 4-0 this season in decisions.
• The top of the order combined for six hits against EKU on Sunday.

UP NEXT

The Ospreys welcome Wofford in a midweek matchup at home on Tuesday, Apr. 10, at 6 p.m., in Harmon Stadium.