Wingate, N.C.----The 16th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs opened conference play in style Friday night, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning en route to an 8-4 victory over defending SAC Tournament champion Lincoln Memorial University in South Atlantic Conference baseball action at Ron Christopher Stadium and Plyler Athletic Field. Wingate improves to 11-2 overall and 1-0 in the SAC, while the Railsplitters fall to 10-3 overall and 0-1 in league play.

Junior outfielder Tanner Forry (York, Pa.) went one-for-three with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored to lead the Wingate offense. Senior designated hitter Bradley Brown (Rockingham, N.C.) added a homer and two RBI, while junior catcher Micah Goodwin (Rougemont, N.C.) also homered for the Bulldogs. Junior infielder Zach Little (Troutman, N.C.) collected two hits including a double, driving in a run and scoring a run.

Tyler Adams was three-for-four with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored to lead the LMU offense. Timmy Wages added two hits and an RBI, while Muta Crusoe also drove in a run for the Railsplitters.

Wingate wasted no time getting to LMU starter Ethan Elliott, who entered the night with a 1.53 ERA in 17 2/3 innings of work this year, allowing just three runs while striking out 25. Senior outfielder Ty Andrus (Winston-Salem, N.C.) started the bottom of the first with a single, stole second, went to third on an error, then scored on Little's RBI double. Two batters later, Forry connected on his league-best sixth homer of the season, a three-run bomb to right to make it 4-0. Goodwin followed with his first homer of the year, a solo shot to left to push the lead to five. Senior infielder Brett Branton (Athens, Ga.) drew a one-out walk, stole second, then scored on a Lincoln Memorial error to make it 6-0.

LMU got on the board in the fourth. Logan Augustine started the frame with a double, then scored on an RBI single from Adams. Crusoe added a sacrifice fly to make it a four-run game. An RBI single from Wages in the sixth got the Railsplitters within three at 6-3.

The Bulldogs got some more breathing room in the seventh. Forry drew a one-out walk, sending Brown to the plate, who lined a 1-0 pitch over the fence in right for his fourth homer of the season, a two-run shot to make it 8-3.

LMU got a solo homer from Adams in the ninth to make the final margin 6-4.

Senior right-hander Hunter Morgan (Summerfield, N.C.) got the win, moving to 2-0 on the year. He threw seven solid innings against a team that has scored 10 runs or more eight times this year. Morgan allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out six and not walking a batter, throwing 105 pitches. Elliott took the loss, falling to 1-1. He allowed six runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two.

Wingate and LMU are back in action Saturday, wrapping up the three-game series with a doubleheader at 1 p.m. at Ron Christopher Stadium. Lincoln Memorial is now 0-11 all-time at Wingate.