Due West, SC---Belmont Abbey scored seven runs in the first five innings and went on to a 9-4 victory over #11 Erskine College Friday afternoon in the opening game of a three game conference series.

The Crusaders were led at the plate by Will Breslin who was 4-5 with two home runs, a double and three RBIs while Tyler McKenzie was 2-4 with three runs driven in. Alex Castellanos and Jay McConnell both added three hits for Belmont Abbey. Andy Helms picked up the win allowing four runs in eight innings and striking out six.

The Fleet were led at the plate by Matt Wurzer who was 3-4 with a double and two RBIs while Keith Hill was 3-5 with a double and run scored and Greg Huff added a two run home run. Andrew Guest took the loss, allowing seven runs in 4 2/3 innings of work.

With the win, Belmont Abbey improves to 21-8 overall and 10-3 in Conference Carolinas, while Erskine falls to 23-1 and 9-1. The two teams will play a double header tomorrow starting at 12, weather permitting.