Belmont Abbey scored seven runs in the first five innings and went on to a 9-4 victory over 11th-ranked Erskine College Friday afternoon in the opening game of a three game conference series. With the win, Belmont Abbey, winners of ten straight, improves to 21-8 overall and 10-3 in Conference Carolinas, while Erskine falls to 23-1 and 9-1.

The Crusaders were led at the plate by Will Breslin who was 4-5 with two home runs, a double and three RBI, while Tyler McKenzie was 2-4 with three runs driven in. Alex Castellanos and Jay McConnell both added three hits for Belmont Abbey. Andy Helms picked up the win allowing four runs in eight innings and striking out six. The win was his 25th at Belmont Abbey, becoming the school's all-time leader, passing Jaymie Russ.

The Fleet was led at the plate by Matt Wurzer who was 3-4 with a double and two RBI while Keith Hill was 3-5 with a double and run scored. Greg Huff added a two run home run. Andrew Guest took the loss, allowing seven runs in four and two-thirds innings of work.

The two teams will play a double header tomorrow starting at noon, weather permitting.