BOX SCORE: USI 8, AASU 5

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The 29th -ranked University of Southern Indiana baseball team opened the 2010 campaign with an 8-5 win over Armstrong Atlantic State University Saturday afternoon in Savannah, Georgia. USI is 1-0 to start the year, while AASU falls to 3-1.

The Screaming Eagles posted all of the offense they would need in the first three innings, including a five-run third to lead 8-1. The USI offensive explosion was highlighted by a two-run shot by junior centerfielder Michael Huling (South Bend, Indiana) that game the Eagles the lead for good in the second inning. Huling finished the afternoon with three RBIs.

Junior first baseman Adam Enright led all USI hitters with a four-for-four afternoon and scored a pair of runs, while junior second baseman Brad Vance (Louisville, Kentucky) had three hits in five at-bats.

On the mound, senior right-hander/designated hitter Tyler Choate (Carmi, Illinois) and junior right-hander Trevor Leach (Danville, Indiana) combined to stop the Pirates over nine innings. Choate (1-0) got the win, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out three, while Leach picked up the save after allowing one run and striking three over three innings of work.

The Eagles and the Pirates resume the three-game series Sunday with a 10 a.m. doubleheader.