ROME, Ga. - Travis Blackburn drove in three runs, Thomas Johnson belted his fourth home run of the season and Cameron Rich had another solid start as Berry defeated Maryville 6-2 at William R. Bowdoin Field Friday.

The Vikings (22-13) outhit Maryville (23-13) 10-5 in the game, and received multi-hit games from Austin Neely, Johnson and Blackburn.  Neely went 2-for-3 and scored twice, Johnson was 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a pair of RBIs, and Blackburn went 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

Johnson delivered the big blow, belting a two-run homer over the left field fence in the fifth inning, breaking up what was a 2-2 tie and putting the Vikings ahead for good.

Rich (5-1) went 8 2/3 innings before he was removed after giving up a double and a walk.  The lefty scattered five hits, and of the two runs that scored, only one was earned.  He walked five batters and struck out seven.

It marked the second straight start in which Rich went as deep into the game.  He earned a complete game victory in a win over Emory just six days ago.

Jonathan Stump came in with the tying run on deck and induced a ground ball out from Maryville's Nic Baker to end the game and pick up his first save.

Travis Scates and Zac Hargett led Maryville with two hits apiece. 

Maryville starter Scott Roselli (2-4) was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) in five innings.

Berry will play at Maryville Saturday.  First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

- BerryVikings.com -