AHOSKIE – Roanoke Rapids built a 5-0 lead and held on to beat Hertford County 8-5 here Friday afternoon.

The Yellow Jackets scored three runs in the top of the first on a David Brown RBI-groundout and a Rock Edwards two-run single.

They added two runs in the top of the second on a Brent Powers RBI-single and a Brown RBI-single to take a 5-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.

The Bears scratched in the home half of the second. Eric Ellis and William Barmer collected back-to-back singles. Pinch runner Manuel Hicks reached second on a wild pitch, but Ellis was throw out at third on the same play.

Hicks scored on a Brandon Matthews RBI-single to center to trim the Roanoke Rapids lead to 5-1.

HCHS added one run in the bottom of the third when Clay Thompson and Andy Thompson each walked. C. Thompson scored on an Adam Baldwin RBI-infield single. Roanoke Rapids led 5-2 after three innings.

The Bears added another run in the bottom of the fourth. Josh Lane walked and went to second on an error. He reached third on a Heath Britt ground out and scored when C. Thompson reached on an error.

Roanoke Rapids padded their lead in the top of the fifth when Steven Long had an RBI-singled and then added two more in the sixth.

Powers had an RBI-double and another run scored on a wild pitch to give the Yellow Jackets an 8-3 advantage.

HCHS added a run in the bottom of the sixth. Matthews walked before Darius Manley had an infield single. Britt reached first on a fielder’s choice.

Manley scored on a C. Thompson RBI-single to center to cut the Roanoke Rapids lead to 8-4.

The Bears plated their final run in the bottom of the seventh when Baldwin singled to center and went to third on an Ellis double. Baldwin scored on a wild pitch.

Ellis went one and one-third innings for the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits and had one strikeout. Dexter Carter pitched five and two-thirds, allowing three runs on five hits and had seven strikeouts.

The Bears had 10 hits and were led by Baldwin (3-for-4) and Ellis (2-for-4).

&uot;We couldn’t get the key hit with runners in scoring position today,&uot; HCHS skipper Matthew Melton said. &uot;We hit the ball well. We came out flat and fell behind. Dexter pitched well in relief.&uot;

The Bears are 4-2 and will play Manteo at 7 p.m. Tuesday at home in their Northeastern Coastal Conference opener. They will have two makeup games this week, hosting Pamlico on Wednesday and Northampton County High School – East on Thursday. Both games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m.