MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Zach Dew hit a 3-run home run to break open a tight game and the AUM pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts in a 9-3 win over Montevallo at QV Lowe Field on Friday.
 
With AUM clinging to a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, Dew came up with two on and two outs to deliver a blast over the wall in left to give the Warhawks a 4-run cushion. They later added a 4-spot in the eighth to put the game away and improve to 13-32 overall and 10-21 in Gulf South Conference action.
 
Charlie Bagwell (2-1) earned the win in relief, striking out three in two innings while allowing one run. Griffin Stewart fanned five in four innings as the starter, while Jackson Reed sent down four of the seven Falcons he faced and Brett Pitts struck out two of the three in the ninth.
 
UM moved to 24-22 and 15-16 as it is trying to qualify for the GSC Tournament on the final day of the season Saturday. Starter Adiel Melendez (8-5) went seven-plus innings and struck out seven while allowing five runs, but just one was earned after the Falcons committed three errors.
 
AUM struck first on a Dew double to left center that scored Tyrese Rooks, giving the home team a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
 
The Warhawks added to their lead when Dew reached on an error by third baseman Connor Crowson and then scored from first on an RH Frankland ball to right center.
 
UM finally got on the board in the seventh when Peyton Stephenson led off with a double and scored two batters later on a McGwire Turner single. Jackson Reed came on in relief and struck out the next three batters.
 
In the subsequent half inning, the Warhawks got the huge blast from Dew to extend the lead to 5-1. It was his fourth home run this season. The Warhawks added four in the eighth to put the game away, even with the Falcons plating two in the ninth.
 
The teams will meet again on Saturday at 2 p.m. for a Senior Day doubleheader.