Eastern Kentucky University finished a winless opening day on the diamond for Kentucky Ohio Valley Conference teams with a 9-2 loss to Pepperdine in its 2011 opener. Pepperdine scored two runs in the third inning to take an early lead then blew the game open with a five-run fourth inning. EKU sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering seven runs on five hits in three and two-third innings pitched. The EKU offense could do nothing against Pepperdine freshman right-handed pitcher Scott Frazier, who was the fifth-round pick of the Phillies in the 2010 draft. Frazier surrendered one run in five innings.

EKU freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman posted an impressive collegiate debut with a 3-4 performance. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 2-4 with a run scored in the game, and freshman catcher Sean Hagen singled and scored the Colonels’ other run. The Colonels started three freshmen in the game. In addition to Hagen and Soloman, freshman designated hitter Mitch Durbin earned a start in the season opener and finished the game 0-2. (Box Score)