A three-run fifth inning propelled the Richmond Raiders past Union Pines, 4-2, in Central Carolina Scholastic Summer League baseball action on Monday.

The run support was enough for winning pitcher Nathan Howe, who allowed two earned runs over five innings to outduel Carson Kelly, who allowed nine hits and four runs over 5 1/3 innings.

The Raiders got a solo homer from Chandler Conner in the top of the first to take an early 1-0 lead in the game. Union Pines had a hard time getting its motor going on offense. Through four innings the Vikings tallied just one hit and three base runners.

Richmond extended its margin to 4-0 by plating three runs in the top of the fifth. A throwing error resulted in the first Raider run, and the other two crossed on a two-run homer.

The Vikes responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to halve the Raider lead.

Nic Collins and Justin Wilson each drove in runs in the frame with singles to plate Travis Livengood and Gabe Gonzalez who had each reached with walks. Then another Union Pines' base running mistake spelled the end of the inning, when a runner was caught rounding too far off second base on Wilson's hit.

Union Pines' Colby Thomas game in to spell Kelly with one away in the top of the sixth and struck out the side. In 1 2/3 innings of relief Thomas allowed just one hit. Even so, the Vikes would not pose any more threats with the bats.

Jeremy Outen relieved Howe in the bottom of the sixth and pitched two shutout innings while striking out five of this six Viking hitters he faced.

With the loss the Vikings are now 2-5 overall in CCSSL play. Tuesday Union Pines traveled to Sanford to take on the Southern Lee Cavaliers. The Vike varsity team's next game is Friday night at Union Pines against Scotland County, with the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.

Contact F.W. Manning II at 639-5481 or by email at frankwm2@gmail.com.