FLORENCE -- The University of North Alabama got strong pitching performances from Will Rankin and Trey Mitchell but could only manage a split Saturday with Quincy at Mike Lane Field, winning the opener 7-4 before dropping the nightcap 4-3.

With the split, UNA is now 9-8 overall, while Quincy is 6-3.

In the opener UNA jumped out to a 4-0 lead, scoring four runs with two outs in the first inning. Chase Porch hit a solo home run to open the scoring. Josh Cyr doubled and Dewayne Gunn singled before Jared Mothershed delivered an RBI double. A Nick McGregor single drove in two more runs to make it 4-0. A Wade Koester homer in the second gave Quincy its first run and the Hawks added another in the fifth to make it 4-2. The Lions scored two unearned runs in the fifth and made it 7-2 in the sixth on a McGregor double and Ross Parker RBI single.

UNA starter Will Rankin left the game after seven innings, scattering eight hits and striking out seven. Neil Brown came on in relief but walked four of the six batters that he faced, allowing one run. Casey Jones then was touched for another run in the ninth but UNA held on for the win.

North Alabama out-hit Quincy 11 to nine in the game.

In game two Quincy scored three unearned runs and led 4-0 entering the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, Ross Parker walked and Blake Stroth reached on an error. Chase Porch doubled in two runs and then went to third on a wild pitch. Zack Summy was hit-by-pitch before Dewayne struckout. An RBI single by Jared Mothershed made it 4-3 but Quincy reliever Travis Ruppel struckout Nick McGregor to end the threat. UNA out-hit Quincy 7-6 in the game but made two costly errors and had a key passed ball.

UNA will host Quincy Sunday in a single game at 1 p.m.