Tied 4-4 in the fifth after SWOSU plated a run in the top half to even the score, ECU responded with a four-run bottom of the inning to regain control. The Tigers added a single run in the sixth, which proved to be the difference in the one-run contest.

Trailing 9-5 in the seventh, the Bulldogs mounted a late push. With two outs, Keaton Fisher delivered a bases-clearing, three-RBI double to cut the deficit to one. However, he was left stranded, and SWOSU could not capitalize further, going down in order in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Josh Doelitsch (L) threw 5.0 innings, allowing eight runs (five earned) while striking out four and walking four. Kael Shelite provided strong relief over the final three innings, allowing just one run — a two-out triple in the sixth — and did not surrender a hit over his final two frames.

SWOSU was outhit 11-9. Fisher, Kotaro Wakui, and Caden Hunter each recorded two hits, with Fisher doubling twice and Wakui adding a double of his own.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back in Saturday's doubleheader, set to begin at noon at Ken Turner Field.