Morehead State University suffered a 9-2 loss to Western Carolina in its opening game of the 2011 season, despite a quality start from ace Trey Smith. Smith, a senior right-handed pitcher, surrendered three runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out three and walking three. Western Carolina blew the game open with a six-run seventh innings. All six runs were charged to sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson, though Smith was still credited with the loss.

Offensively, the Eagles were paced by senior second baseman Travis Redmon, who finished the game 2-5 with a run scored. Senior first baseman Michael Fear also tallied two hits in four at-bats for Morehead St. The Eagles tried to mount a rally in the top of the ninth inning. After loading the bases with one out, junior center fielder Andrew Deeds scored on an RBI-walk from freshman catcher Cole Cleveland, who was making his collegiate debut in a pinch-hit appearance. (Box Score)

BluGrass Baseball player of the game: Trey Smith — 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO