SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina Upstate erased a seven-run deficit Friday night, defeating Northern Kentucky 8-7 at Cleveland S. Harley Baseball Park.

The Norse pounded five home runs in the first four innings, including a three-run shot by Thomas Etha in the opening frame, to build a 7-0 lead. Bauerle Pie, Springmeyer, Brazer Alex and Paulick Jak also went deep.

The Spartans answered with a five-run fifth inning, capped by Trey Bentley’s three-run double. M. Heaghney drove in runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth, and his eighth-inning double tied the game. Preston Lucas then walked with the bases loaded to force in the go-ahead run.

Wyatt Land earned the win in relief for South Carolina Upstate (28-27). Northern Kentucky (24-27) got a complete-game effort from Shawn Parnell but suffered its second straight loss. The teams meet again Saturday.