The Vikings dropped their home opener 7-2 to the Northwood Chargers of Pittsboro, Wednesday, on a cold and windy night in Cameron.

The game was scoreless going into the fifth, as Union Pines' starting pitcher Adam Harward threw four innings of solid shutout ball. In the top of the fifth Northwood finally got on the board as they scored three runs, two of which were earned. The Chargers scored three more runs (two earned) in their half of the sixth, making the most of one hit, two walks and a Vike error to extend their lead to 6-0.

Union Pines responded in the bottom of the sixth by putting up a two-spot. After Nevin Wilson and Todd Collins singled, Terry Burge delivered a two-out, two-run single for the Vikings.

Going into the final inning the Vikes trailed 6-2. Northwood scored an insurance run, off two hits, in the top of the seventh to take a 7-2 lead that would hold up as the game's final score.

The Vikes had their chances to score runs but simply did not capitalize, leaving nine men on base in the game.

"Right now we are getting guys on (base) but it seems like we just haven't been able to get that key hit," said Vike head coach Chad Hill. "I think once we get a couple of clutch hits and score a few runs, then everyone will relax, be able to play and have a little fun."

With the loss, Union Pines is now 0-2 on the young year. The Vikings travel to Asheboro on Friday for a 5 p.m. non-conference affair.

"We just have to keep working hard and not get discouraged this early in the season." Hill said after the game. "We are going to continue ironing out the details so that when conference (time) rolls around, we'll be ready to go."

Union Pines pitching -- Harward 5 IN, 5 H, 5 K 3R 2 ER; T. Wilson 1 IN, 2H, 2BB, 2K, 3R 2 ER; N. Carter 1 IN, 2 H, 1 K 1R 1ER.

Union Pines batting -- P. Martin 2-3 2B; N. Wilson 2-4 R; T. Collins 1-2 R BB; T. Burge 1-3 2 RBI