FERRUM, Va. — Anderson Ramos' two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth jump started Ferrum College's offense and led the Panthers to a 3-1 victory over the Averett University baseball team on Friday night at Panther Field.

After Lucas Stevers' single to left-center field broke up a no-hit bid by senior right-hander T.J. Viracola, Ramos stepped up and smashed a ball over the fence in right to give Ferrum (23-10, 13-3 USA South) a 2-0 lead after four.

Averett (18-17, 8-9 USA South) wasted little time answering back, picking up a run in the following frame to cut its deficit down to one. Senior Drew Evans led off with a single to left-center and reached third base when Ramos had trouble fielding the ball. Two batters later, Evans came home to score on a double play ground out to get the Cougars on the board. Ferrum picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder's choice RBI ground out.

Junior Trey Wall paced the Cougars offensive attack, turning in a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the plate. Fellow junior Hunter Ashworth picked up a pair of hits as well for the Cougars. Senior Mike Moore drove in the only run of the game for Averett.

Viracola (4-5) went the distance on the mound, striking out five and scattering only five hits in eight innings of work.

Averett returns to the field tomorrow when it takes on Ferrum at 7 p.m. in the second of the three-game set.