CONWAY, Ark. – Berry College opened Southern Athletic Association play in fine fashion as the Vikings won at Hendrix, 14-8, on Friday afternoon.

The visiting Vikings (4-5, 1-0) outhit the Warriors (4-7, 0-1) 14-11 and took advantage of four Hendrix errors.

In the top of the first, Berry scored six runs on five hits and two errors. Catcher Devin Skelton had the big hit of the inning, with a two-run base hit. Sketon went 3-5 with a run and 4 RBI for the Vikes. The Vikings added two more in the second after three hits and another defensive miscue, taking an 8-0 lead.

Austin Neely, Stephen Gaylor Doug Heath and Nick Stidham all had two hits in the win. Stidham also had four RBI for Berry.

The Warriors made it a one-run game in the seventh on a RBI single from Perschke and a two-run double by Simmons.

Berry tacked on three more runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth for the final 14-8 tally.

Casey Gray (2-1) earned the win for the Vikings, allowing five hits, four earned runs, two walks and striking out four in five innings. Jacob Perschke (1-2) was tagged with the loss, giving up eight hits, six earned runs, a walk and fanning six in three innings. 

Hendrix and Berry will play the second game of the series on Saturday at 2 p.m.