LAURINBURG — The University of North Carolina at Pembroke baseball team dispatched St. Andrews in blowout fashion Thursday with a 14-2 victory, putting an end to its own three-game losing skid.

UNCP (17-7, 2-4 PBC) has now won four straight over St. Andrews and owns a slim, 21-20 advantage in the all-time series.

The Braves never looked back after erupting for six runs in the top of the first inning as freshman starter Jake Dailey picked up his second victory of the season. Dailey scattered two runs on four hits over five innings, while striking out seven, to register the decision.

Senior Kevin Dietrich set the table for UNCP in the leadoff spot for the second straight game with four hits, two stolen bases and six RBIs. His two-out, two-run double gave the Braves an 11-0 lead and some much-needed momentum heading into the weekend.

Dietrich has hit safely in six consecutive games and leads the team in runs-batted-in this season with 28.

“Our guys did a great job setting the tone early,” O’Neil said, referring to UNCP’s first six hitters reaching base in the first. “We were able to build a lead and really pitch well. We were more selective at the plate today than the last three games.”

St. Andrews (5-18) scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning but could not remain in the game after a combination of five Knights’ pitchers hit six batters and walked nine others.

With a key three-game Peach Belt Conference series at Columbus State looming this weekend, O’Neil said it was imperative that his team regain their focus and build confidence before their departure.

“We really felt good about our chances coming into this game,” O’Neil said. “We knew if he (Dailey) could give us a strong start, our bullpen would be ready and fresh for Columbus State.”

UNCP pitcher Matt Key set a new career-high with five strikeouts in two innings of scoreless relief, retiring four straight batters at one point via fastball.

Matt McGovern (3-0, 2.40 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season Saturday as the Braves take on the Cougars (11-10) at 1 p.m., while Brian Willis (2-1, 4.70 ERA) and Jonathan Rivera (2-0, 1.67 ERA) will get the starting nods the other two contests.

“Columbus State is a quality team, a group that was picked to win the conference,” O’Neil said. “They have struggled early in the season, but they’ve got three guys who are above average college pitchers who can really slow you down.”