HENDERSON, Tenn. - Union (Tenn.) University scored early and often, building a big lead by the third inning and cruising to a 14-4 win over the Freed-Hardeman Lions on Monday afternoon.

The Bulldogs (4-3) scored seven times in the second inning, then added seven more over the next two innings to take a commanding 11-run lead.

FHU (3-2) got on the board in the bottom of the first on an RBI groundout by Robert Prieto and added two more in the second on Kyle Dearing's two-run double, but couldn't keep pace with the hot Union bats. The Bulldogs pounded out 12 hits in the second thru fourth innings and scored all 14 of their runs in that span highlighted by Jim Martin's grand slam in the second.

The Lions, meanwhile, managed no runs and only one hit over the next three innings before Cole Veazey's RBI double brought home Garrett Ferguson in the sixth. FHU threatened to do more damage with the bases loaded and one out, but Union reliever Will Embry got Connor Kohlscheen to ground into a double-play to end the inning.

Ryan Smith (0-1) took the loss in his first collegiate start, allowing seven runs on four hits over 1-2/3 innings. Joe Creasy and Eric Tompkins combined to cool down the Union bats tossing three innings of scoreless ball.

Veazey was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, accounting for half of FHU's six hits.

The Lions return to the field tomorrow hosting the University of North Alabama at 4:00 PM.