at Armstrong Atlantic State (2-2): 4
Southern Indiana (0-1): 1
Box Score

SAVANAH, Ga.—Senior outfielder Chad Bruce (Fountaintown, Indiana) tripled and scored in the top of the fifth inning, but it was not enough as the University of Southern Indiana baseball team lost its season-opener, 4-1, to host Armstrong Atlantic State University Friday afternoon.

USI (0-1) surrendered a run in the bottom of the second inning and two more in the third frame before pushing its lone tally across the plate.

Bruce led the top of the fifth inning off with a triple to centerfield and scored the Screaming Eagles' only run via an RBI ground out by freshman infielder Brad Vance (Louisville, Kentucky).

The Pirates (2-2) added an insurance run in the seventh inning and benefitted from a five-hit, complete-game effort by left-handed hurler Cody Walden (1-0).

USI threatened in the top of the ninth as it brought the tying run to the plate, but senior outfielder Chad Werry (New Harmony, Indiana) grounded into an inning-ending double play to finish the game.

Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Choate (Carmi, Illinois) was charged with the setback despite racking up six strikeouts. Choate surrendered four runs off nine hits in 6.1 innings of work.

The Eagles and Pirates resume their three-game set Saturday at noon (CST). The third game of the series is slated for Sunday at 10 a.m.