JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Interstat) — Tristan Curless hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning Friday evening, rallying East Tennessee State to a 6-5 victory over Marist in the season opener for both teams at Thomas Stadium.

The Buccaneers, who trailed 5-2, completed the comeback when Curless homered with the bases loaded. Marist had built its lead with three sacrifice flies, including an RBI single by Niko Rivera in the third and his solo homer in the ninth.

East Tennessee State recorded nine hits to Marist’s eight. Evan Rolison earned the win in relief, while Caleb Kempler took the loss for the Red Foxes. The Buccaneers improved to 1-0, while Marist fell to 0-1. The teams continue their series with a doubleheader Saturday.