GREENVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — Xavier opened its season with a 4-3 win over East Carolina on Friday at Clark–LeClair Stadium, overcoming the Pirates’ status as heavy favorites.

The Musketeers struck immediately as Mensik hit a two-run homer down the right field line in the first inning, scoring Stonehouse. That early lead held until East Carolina scratched across a run in the fifth on Herring’s RBI double.

Xavier added two critical insurance runs in the eighth on an RBI groundout and a wild pitch. Herring’s solo homer in the ninth brought the Pirates within one, but the rally ended there.

Jake Hooker earned the win for Xavier. The Musketeers outhit the Pirates 9-5. East Carolina, which had a 69.6% win probability per Interstat’s ELO system, fell to 0-1.