ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — Rider opened its season with a 6-5 victory over UNC Asheville at Greenwood Baseball Field on Friday, overcoming a late Bulldogs rally.

The Broncs built a 6-3 lead, powered by Kyle Neri’s two RBIs and a solo home run from Eliot Medlock. UNC Asheville’s Tyler Parks hit a two-run pinch-hit homer in the seventh to close the gap to one run, but Rider held on.

PJ Craig earned the win for Rider, allowing three earned runs over five innings with five strikeouts. Christian Aiello secured a four-inning save, striking out six. Drew Turner took the loss for the Bulldogs.

Rider improved to 1-0. UNC Asheville fell to 2-4.