CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Sixth-ranked North Carolina put across eight runs in the first three innings to take the middle game of their three-game series with the Stags, 10-2 for their seventh-straight victory.

The bullpen settled things down for the Stags (3-2) as the trio of Brett Mikolajczyk, Jake Binder, and George Molner surrendered just three hits in their combined three shutout innings of work. For Molner, it was his first appearance since his freshman year during a game against Rider in 2013.

The Stags managed a couple of threats in the first three innings as Fairfield stranded two runners in each of the second and third innings. In the second frame, Jake Salpietro and Mac Crispino both singled which were the first two hits for the visitors.

Taylor Blind secured his fourth hit of the season, and of his career, with a single to center field to lead off the third inning. Jack Gethings followed that hit with a single of his own, and the Stags had two runners on with nobody out, but UNC pitcher J.B. Bukauskas negotiated the threat without anyone crossing the plate.

Using that momentum, the Tar Heels had their biggest inning of the game by scoring four runs, two coming off the bat of freshman Brandon Riley on a two-run double.

Brendan Tracy and Drew Arciuolo also recorded hits for the Stags.

Fairfield and UNC will complete their three game series on Sunday at noon.