SAVANNAH, Ga.- North Florida broke open a close game by scoring seven runs in the fourth inning in a 12-3 win over Savannah State in a game played at Tiger Field.

Hector Benitez led off the bottom of the first inning with a walk single by Jorge Lopez for a 1-0 lead. SSU left the bases loaded in the inning.

The Ospreys sent a pair of runners across home plate in the second inning to take the lead.

Yahir Gurrola hit a three-run triple in the fourth inning as UNF scored seven times off four hits to increase their lead to 9-1.

The visitors from Jacksonville, Florida added two more runs in the fifth and another in the sixth for a 12-1 cushion.

Savannah State (6-3) had a short rally in the bottom of the ninth but it wasn't enough.

Khayld Cox led off with a single and Jacob Lightle followed with a walk. After Jakeel Daniels struck out, a ground out by Marcus Mitchell allowed Cox to score.

Back to back walks to Joshua Pittell and Lopez loaded the bases and a walk to Bryce Luken brought home Lightle. Larry Silmon struck out to end the threat and the game.

The Tigers only had five hits in the contest while the defenders committed three errors. SSU stranded a dozen runners on the base pads.

Colby Rhea was one of seven SSU pitchers to take the mound. Rhea started the game and lasted three innings, giving up two hits, two runs and one walk while striking out one.

North Florida (5-4) had 13 hits in the game with Patrick Ervin going 3-for-3 and scoring three runs

Cooper Bradford was the winning pitcher. Bradford, who was one of five pitchers used by the Ospreys, pitched three innings and struck out four  while giving up one hit, one run and three walks.