BOONE, N.C. (Interstat) — Kameron Miller’s two-run single in the sixth inning erased an early deficit and sparked the Appalachian State Mountaineers to a 5-2 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins in the season opener for both teams Friday at Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.

The Mountaineers, projected as heavy favorites by Interstat’s ELO system, overcame four double plays turned by the Canisius defense and a strong starting outing from Golden Griffins pitcher Felix Morin to secure the win.

Canisius struck first without the benefit of a hit in the third inning. Jackson Spinosa walked, Trent Kaufman was hit by a pitch and Tristen Zwirecki walked to load the bases. Ethan Weeks was then hit by a pitch from Appalachian State starter Tanner Nolan, forcing in Spinosa for a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Griffins managed just five hits on the afternoon but added a run in the seventh to briefly tie the game. Bryce Cox singled, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Zwirecki’s RBI single to shortstop, making it 2-2.

Appalachian State, held to one run through five innings by Morin, broke through in the sixth against reliever Nick Albano. With two on, Miller lined a single through the left side off Albano, scoring Nate Soul and Ezra Puig to give the Mountaineers a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish.

The Mountaineers added two insurance runs in the eighth, capitalizing on a Canisius error. Tank Yaghoubi walked and scored on Puig’s RBI single. After an intentional walk to Miller loaded the bases, Drew DuPont delivered a clutch single through the right side to drive in Soul for the 5-2 final.

Miller’s two-RBI hit was the most critical play, shifting momentum permanently to the home side. DuPont finished with a hit and an RBI, while Jake Mummau scored a run and Jalen Seward added a hit. Appalachian State’s bullpen combination of Nick Dirito and Ethan Wilson provided 5 1/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit relief after Nolan exited.

Morin took a no-decision for Canisius, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. The Golden Griffins’ offense was led by Zwirecki, who had two hits, a walk and an RBI.

Appalachian State improved to 1-0, while Canisius begins the season 0-1. The teams are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday.

Key Performances: Kameron Miller (Appalachian State DH): Delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the sixth. Drew DuPont (Appalachian State RF): Provided a key insurance RBI single in the eighth. Felix Morin (Canisius P): Gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings in the start. Appalachian State Bullpen (Dirito, Wilson): Combined for 5 1/3 scoreless innings in relief.

Up Next: Canisius faces Appalachian State in a doubleheader on Saturday. Appalachian State will host the Golden Griffins twice on Saturday before visiting Duke on Tuesday.