PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Baseball team opened up a double-digit lead early and then made enough plays late to fend off a pesky Tennessee Temple squad, 11-6, at the East Campus Monday afternoon.

After struggling offensively in their last outing, the RedHawks (21-13) wasted little time asserting themselves at the plate Monday, driving in four runs in the first and then adding two in the second to take an early 6-0 lead.

The RedHawks would add five more combined runs in the fourth and fifth innings, opening up an 11-0 lead over the Crusaders (10-15) in the process.

After bringing in a few substitutions in the top of the sixth, the RedHawks saw the Crusaders begin to chip away at the double-digit lead, scoring four runs. Only two of the runs were earned as the RedHawks committed two of their season-high five errors in the frame.

Ultimately, the RedHawks lead proved to be safe as the Crusaders pulled within five runs, but were unable to complete the comeback.

Erick Bonifacio (1-for-3) led the RedHawks with three RBIs on the day, two of which came via sacrifice flies in the first and second innings. Blake Truett (2-for-2), Brodie Jeffery (2-for-5) and Brandon Bush (2-for-5) all finished with multi-hit games as the RedHawks clubbed out 12 hits in the win.

Thomas Huddleston (1-4) broke through for his first win in a RedHawk uniform, tossing six innings and allowing just four runs – only two of which were earned.

With a seven-inning run rule possibly looming, Jake Shadix came on in relief for Shadix in the seventh, but stayed on the mound for the final two innings and a nine-out save. The save marked the third of the sophomore's career and the first of the year.

Austin Layne (0-1) suffered the loss on the mound for the Crusaders, allowing nine hits and 11 runs in the defeat.

The RedHawks will continue their midweek non-conference action Tuesday afternoon when they host No. 20 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University in a matchup of former TranSouth Athletic Conference rivals. The RedHawks knocked off the Lions (25-12) earlier this season in a 12-8 victory in Henderson, Tenn. on March 24.

First pitch in Tuesday's contest is set for 5 p.m. at the East Campus.