MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Cairn University rallied with seven runs over the final three innings to defeat Benedict 8-5 and spoil the season opener for the Tigers on Saturday at the Cal Ripken Experience.

The Tigers opened the game with a pair of runs in the first inning as Christopher Harper opened the game with a walk and later scored on a passed ball. Bradon O'Connor reached on an error, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball and scored on a groundout by Anthony Johnson. Benedict made it 3-0 with a run in the third inning when Harper scored when Johnson flied into double-play.

The Highlanders got on the board with a run in the bottom of the third inning. Benedict added two more runs in the top of the sixth to take a 5-1 lead. Fareed Mizelle hit a two-run double to left field, scoring Johnson and Keshawn Royal.

Cairn scored an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth, then tied the game with three runs in the seventh inning on just one hit and one Benedict error. Cairn added three more runs in the eighth on one hit and another Benedict error.

Benedict finished the game with four hits, four errors and a passed ball. Benedict's pitching staff hit three batters and had two balks. Cairn, a NCAA Division II school from Langhorne, Penn., improves to 3-3 on the season.

The Tigers return to action on Thursday with a doubleheader at Morris College.