The Union Pines Viking baseball team made a major statement in its return to Cape Fear Valley Conference play Tuesday, slugging six home runs en route to a 17-2 victory against Overhills in Cameron.

With the victory, Union Pines improved to 6-0 alone atop the CFVC standings and 11-3 overall, while Overhills (7-6) dropped to 4-3 in the league play.

Junior shortstop Justin Allred got the home run derby started for Union Pines with a line drive solo shot to right center in the bottom of the second. Then lefty captain and No. 3 hitter Nic Collins jerked a majestic smash high into the night and straight down the right field line for a round tripper.

The back-to- back blasts gave Union Pines a 2-0 lead through an inning of play.

Union Pines posted a seven-spot on the board in the bottom of the second, using seven hits including an RBI single by Allred and a two-run homer by junior first baseman Seth Breasseale. The longball was Breasseale’s team-leading fifth of the season

In the third inning, the Vikes scored six more runs on four hits and two walks to take a 15-0. lead Three of those hits left the yard as Noble Davis, Allred and starting pitcher Carson Kelly all had two-run homers in the frame.

Allred went 4-for-4 on the night with two dingers, five RBIs, three runs scored and a double, while Davis was 2-for-2 with 3 RBIS and two runs scored.

Kelly went four innings on the mound to get the win. The senior improved to 5-1 on the season as he allowed one unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out six.

Other batting leader for Union Pines included Gabe Gonzalez (1-2, 2R BB), N. Collins (2-2, HR, SAC, 2 R, 2 RBI), Dylan Kelly (1-1, 2 R, BB) and Mason Collins (2-3, 2 R RBI)

Head coach Chad Hill’s Union Pines club returns to league action Friday, when the Vikings host Gray’s Creek (7-6, 4-3) at 7 p.m. on Cancer Awareness Night.