RICHMOND, Ky. – The Bluefield Rams were unable to slow down Union Commonwealth's offense, falling 13–3 in Friday's series opener at Jerry Carey Stadium.

Union Commonwealth jumped out early with three runs in the first inning before the Rams responded in the second. Nick Stergiou reached base and later scored on an RBI from Cody Crafton to trim the deficit to 3–1.

Bluefield evened the score in the third inning. Sean Cherry singled and later scored, while Dylan Dotson added an RBI as the Rams tied the game at 3–3.

Union Commonwealth regained the lead in the bottom half of the third and broke the game open in the fifth with five runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Isaiah Pintor and an RBI single from Roberto Gallardo to extend the lead to 9–3.

The hosts added a run in the sixth and three more in the seventh to pull away.

Cherry led the Rams at the plate with two hits, including a double, while Jordan Ramsey and Crafton each added doubles. Evan Leese also recorded a hit as BU finished with five in the contest.

Raymond Smith took the loss after allowing eight runs over 4.1 innings. Daniel Pritchard and Jason Maldonado combined to provide relief.

The Rams return to action Saturday for Games two and three of the series at Union Commonwealth, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.