MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (Interstat) — The Columbia Lions erupted for seven runs in the second inning and rode dominant pitching to a 7-4 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers on Friday evening, defying statistical projections.

Alex Sotiropoulos starred for Columbia, tossing 5 1/3 no-hit innings with one earned run to anchor the staff. The Lions sent 11 batters to the plate in the decisive second, keyed by a two-run double from Ben Fishel and a two-run single from Jack Kail. West Virginia chipped away with single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings but never seriously threatened after the early deficit.

The win improved Columbia’s record to 1-4, while West Virginia fell to 8-3. The teams continue their series Saturday.