KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — The Marshall Thundering Herd erupted for five unanswered runs, powered by a pair of home runs, to overcome an early deficit and defeat the Evansville Purple Aces 5-2 on Friday afternoon at Fred Stillwell Stadium.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded in the evening, served as the season opener for Marshall, which improved to 1-0. Evansville, which scored two runs on six hits, fell to 0-2.

Evansville capitalized on a Marshall error to take a first-inning lead. After two quick outs, Ryan Haire reached on a throwing error by shortstop Mason Onate. Will Pennington followed by doubling down the left-field line, driving in Haire with an unearned run for a 1-0 advantage.

The Purple Aces’ pitching held that lead through three innings, but Marshall’s offense came alive in the fourth. AJ Havrilla led off the frame with a solo home run down the left-field line to cut the deficit in half. Two batters later, with Ethan Murdoch on first after a single, Cooper Hinson launched a two-run homer down the right-field line to vault the Thundering Herd ahead 3-1.

Marshall added two more unearned runs in the fifth to create decisive separation. Cleary Simpson started the rally with a double. He then scored from second when Evansville reliever Owen Byberg committed a fielding error on a bunt attempt by Calin Harthan. Havrilla later singled to put runners at the corners, and Jackson Halter delivered a sacrifice fly to left, plating Harthan for a 5-1 lead.

The most important sequence of the game was Marshall’s four-run fourth inning, which completely shifted momentum. After being held to one hit through the first three innings, Havrilla’s leadoff homer ignited the rally. Hinson’s subsequent two-run shot provided the go-ahead runs, transforming a one-run deficit into a two-run lead from which Evansville never recovered.

Evansville managed a late rally in the ninth against the Marshall bullpen. Haire hit a solo home run to right-center to make it 5-2. The Purple Aces then loaded the bases with two outs following singles by Danny McConnell and Kip Weatherford and a walk by Xhuliano Baftiri. Marshall turned to reliever Peyton Jackson, who induced a game-ending fielder’s choice grounder from Simon Magill to shortstop to seal the victory.

Marshall starter Bryce Blevins earned the win, allowing one unearned run on three hits over five innings while striking out six. Evansville starter Kaleb Deverman took the loss, charged with three runs on four hits in four innings of work.

Havrilla and Murdoch each had two of Marshall’s eight hits. Haire and Pennington accounted for Evansville’s early run production.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again Saturday at Fred Stillwell Stadium, though Evansville will be designated the home team.