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DURHAM, N.C. – Duke University scored five unearned runs in the fourth inning to turn a slim two-run advantage into a comfortable 11-3 victory over Durham neighbor North Carolina Central University at Jack Coombs Field on Tuesday afternoon.

The host Blue Devils (14-4) pounded out 14 hits in 35 plate appearances, topped by junior center fielder Joe Pedevillano who hit a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish with a double and five runs batted in.

NCCU (1-15) recorded eight hits, including two each by freshman shortstop Dylan Drayton, freshman catcher Carter Williamson and senior right fielder Edward Pegues. Junior center fielder Akeem Hood and freshman third baseman Troy Marrow also tallied hits for the Eagles.

Duke posted a lone run in the first inning after leadoff batter David Perkins walked and later scored on a double play. The home team tallied another run in the third frame when the leadoff hitter struck out swinging, but reached first base on a throwing error and later scored on a sacrifice fly.

A tight, two-run contest busted wide open in the bottom of the fourth inning when Duke took advantage of a hit batter, three walks, an error and four hits to notch six runs, five of which were unearned.

After Duke plated a run in the sixth and two more in the eighth, NCCU scored all three of its runs in the top of the ninth inning to make the final score 11-3.

Freshman hurler Dillon Haviland won his first decision of the season for the Blue Devils by scattering two hits with four strikeouts in five scoreless innings on the mound. NCCU sophomore pitcher Glenn Frye, who surrendered eight hits and eight runs (six unearned) with two strikeouts in 3.2 innings, took the loss for the Eagles.

NCCU returns to action on Friday, March 18 to begin a four-game homestand with a weekend series against the University of Buffalo. First pitch at the historic Durham Athletic Park is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 noon on Sunday.