The baseball program at Shawnee State dropped its season-opening bout Friday evening against Ohio Christian, with the Bears ultimately falling by a 13-7 count to the Trailblazers Friday evening at the Big League Camp in Lake James, N.C.

Despite facing early adversity in a 7-0 deficit, Shawnee State showed resolve in closing the gap down to a single run in the middle innings by posting a two-run fourth frame followed by a four-spot in the fifth. George Duran, the leadoff hitter for the Bears, helped lead the charge for SSU during this timeframe, ultimately finishing 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two runs scored over the course of the contest.

However, defensive miscues on Shawnee State's end ultimately proved to be costly, as the Bears' six errors nullified their 12-9 advantage in the hit column while allowing Ohio Christian to add six insurance tallies between the sixth and seventh frames, leading to the final result.

In addition to Duran, Levi Jones (3-for-3, RBI) and Howie Rodriguez (2-for-4, double, run scored) also enjoyed multi-hit outings, while Jacob Kline, Damion Coleman, Charles Douglas, Danny McGuire, and Noah Sniadach all enjoyed 1-for-3 outings at the plate. Kline posted a double and an RBI while Sniadach, making his first career appearance as the unit's designated hitter, drove in a pair of runs while scoring another himself. Douglas, McGuire and Coleman each scored a run to round out the offensive effort.

Shawnee State (0-1) is scheduled to return to action Saturday afternoon when the Bears play the host, Montreat (N.C.) at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Lake James.

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