The Canisius baseball team scored nine runs in the first three innings, including a six-run top of the third, to defeat Winthrop in the opening game of the three-game series, in Rock Hill, S.C. on Friday night. With the win Canisius improves to 10-3 overall, while Winthrop drops to 5-8.

Already up 3-1, the Griffs broke the game open in the top of the third, posting six runs in the frame.

After loading the bases, Liam Wilson and Jake Lumley tallied back-to-back two run singles, to plate four runners in two swings of the bat.

Later in the frame Ryan Stekl brought in Lumley with a single to make it 8-1, before an error allowed Christ Conley to reach base and also scored Stekl to cap the rally.

The top of the order continued to power the offense, with Wilson, Lumley and Stekl combining for six hits. Stekl led the team in hits, tallying three hits in three at bats to go along with his two RBI.

Lumley paced the team in RBI, recording three on a pair of hits. Wilson also finished the day with a pair of RBI on one hit.

Zachary Sloan started the game and worked four innings and allowed six hits and four runs (three earned) and fanned a pair of batters in the no-decision.

Sloan's exit gave way to Andrew Sipowicz who twirled a gem, working the final five frames and limiting Winthrop to just three hits and one run, while striking out eight batters for the win.

Thad Harris got the start for Winthrop and was chased after two innings, allowing five runs on four hits. Zach Peek came on threw 4.1 innings and allowed five hits and four runs. Daniel Willcutt came on and finished the final 2.2 frames.

Canisius continues the series tomorrow as the squad will play a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. The series was originally scheduled for a game on Saturday and Sunday but storms forced the schedule change.