SHREVEPORT, La. – Will Preston allowed only two hits and two runs in eight innings on the mound, and Southwestern knocked off No. 12 Centenary in the series opener, 4-3, on Friday night at Shehee Stadium.

Preston, who improved to 3-1 on the season, gave up a hit and two runs (one earned) in the opening frame. The 6-foot-7 right-hander then kept the Gents (21-7, 6-4 SCAC) scoreless over the next seven panels before handing the ball over to the bullpen.

Matt Litz came on in the ninth and allowed a hit before a double play ended the contest. Litz also collected his second save of the campaign.

The Pirates (11-19, 6-4 SCAC) racked up 12 hits.

Will Cates was 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBIs. Ethan Hallmark also posted three hits and scored a run.

Southwestern scored its first run on a wild pitch in the top of the opening stanza.

Hallmark reached on a single with one out and was followed by a single off the bat of Ethan Luna. Hallmark then advanced to third on a fly out before crossing the plate on the errant pitch to give the Pirates a quick lead.

However, Centenary responded with two scores in the bottom of the inning.

Preston issued walks to the first two batters. The Gents then scored their first run on a passed ball, while another came across on a two-out single by Aaron Quintanilla.

After a scoreless frame, Cates led off the third with his fourth home run of the season, which allowed the Bucs to pull even.

Southwestern struck again in the sixth to take the lead for good.

Colby Schmidt drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on a balk. After a fly out, Ethan Widoff walked before the Pirates produced back-to-back two-out RBI singles by Austyn Laird and Cates.

Centenary was unable to break through against Preston or Litz in its final four at-bats.

The two teams will close out the set with a doubleheader on Saturday, which begins at 1 p.m.

– SOUTHWESTERN –