PENSACOLA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Ohio State Buckeyes opened their season with a 7-1 victory over the Saint Louis Billikens on Friday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Ohio State scored in five different innings, breaking open a tight game with a four-run third. Mason Eckelman and CJ Reid each drove in runs during the decisive frame, with Reid delivering a two-run single. Luke Ellis added two RBIs for the Buckeyes.

Saint Louis managed 10 hits but only pushed across a solo home run from Kobe Bond in the eighth inning. Buckeyes starter Gavin Kuzniewski earned the win, while Billikens starter Brian Nunez took the loss.

Ohio State begins the year 1-0, while Saint Louis starts 0-1. The teams continue their series with a doubleheader Saturday.