TOLEDO, Ohio (Interstat) — A four-run eighth inning broke open a tight pitching duel and propelled the Toledo Rockets to a 5-0 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen in the opener of a three-game Mid-American Conference series Friday evening at Scott Park Baseball Complex.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, was a scoreless stalemate until the bottom of the fourth. Toledo’s Luke Walton singled and Jacob Payne followed with another single before Saborn Campbell drove a single to shortstop, allowing Walton to score the game’s first run.

That lone run stood for four innings as Massachusetts starter Callen Powers and Toledo starter Nathan Leininger, along with relievers from both sides, kept offenses in check. The Minutemen managed five hits but could not advance a runner past second base, stranding several and failing to capitalize on early opportunities against Leininger.

The contest’s complexion changed dramatically in the bottom of the eighth. With the Rockets clinging to a 1-0 lead, Troy Sudbrook led off with a single against Massachusetts reliever Gavin Sitarz. Alex McCranie reached on a fielder’s choice and Walton walked to load the bases with no outs. Payne then delivered a crucial single to left field, scoring Sudbrook to double the lead.

After a fielder’s choice cut down a runner at the plate, pinch-hitter JP Wagner grounded out to bring in another run, making it 3-0. The decisive blow, however, came on a wild pitch from Sitarz that allowed both Campbell and Payne to race home, extending the Toledo advantage to 5-0.

That sequence was the most important part of the game, transforming a narrow one-run lead into a comfortable five-run cushion and effectively sealing the outcome.

Toledo reliever Hayden Frey, who entered in the seventh, earned the win with two scoreless innings of work. Sitarz took the loss for Massachusetts after being charged with four runs in the eighth. Toledo pitchers combined to strike out 10 Minutemen batters.

Walton, Payne and Campbell each had two hits for the Rockets, who improved to 4-8 overall. Ty Fox had two of Massachusetts’ five hits as the Minutemen fell to 4-3.

The teams are scheduled to continue the series Saturday afternoon.