REDDING, Calif. – A five-run eighth inning rally helped lead the no. 10 NAIA-ranked UBC Thunderbirds to an 8-7 comeback victory over the Simpson University Redhawks in their first game of the 2011 season.

After taking a 7-6 lead in the top of the eighth inning, after their five run outburst, the T-Birds allowed the Redhawks to pull one back and even the score in the bottom of the frame.

After a scoreless ninth, Nick Senior's RBI triple scored Matt Spillman in the top of the tenth inning to put UBC ahead for good. Andrew Ledger, who earned the win, continued a strong late game outing by closing the contest with a 1-2-3 10th inning.

"That was a big character performance from our guys tonight. We were pretty down and out after seven innings but then we started to put things together," said UBC head coach Terry McKaig. "We knew we'd have some adjustments this year with a younger team and it looked like a typical first game of the year. There were a lot of nerves and a few mistakes but once we settled down, it was a good effort later in the game."

Kevin Nickel led the way for UBC with three RBIs on the afternoon. Spillman, who transferred to UBC from Walsh University prior to the start of this season, scored two runs and added one hit in his first game at short for the 'Birds. UBC scored eight runs on only six hits, taking advantage of a trio of Simpson errors and nine walks.

Brandon Kaye got the start for the 'Birds and gave up three hits and one run over three innings of work. He was one of five T-Birds to take to the mound in the victory.

Josh Corson led the Redhawks with three RBI as they hosts also got a pair of RBIs from Chuck Matthey and Rico Adams. Starter Brad Hurn was solid over six innings, giving up just one earned run and one hit while sticking out eight. He did, however, walk six UBC batters.

UBC (1-0) continues their pre-season California road trip with contest at No. 15 Fresno Pacific on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.