GEORGETOWN, Texas - Jeremy Rice worked 8.1 innings and allowed only two earned runs, but it was not enough as Trinity topped Southwestern 3-1 in the series opener Friday night at Rockwell Field.

Rice (1-3) suffered the loss after scattering nine hits and three runs (two earned) with three strikeouts.

The big blow came in the fifth inning when Dalys Binder hit a two-run homer to break the scoreless tie. The Tigers (9-7, 1-0 SCAC) added an unearned run in the sixth to take a 3-0 lead.

The Pirates (6-10, 0-1 SCAC) managed their lone tally in the bottom of the sixth, as Byron Dowdell II drove in Austyn Laird on a groundout. Laird drew a leadoff walk and moved around to third on an errant pickoff attempt.

Southwestern had two runners on base in the ninth inning, but Chris Tate slammed the door to earn his second save of the season.

Dylan McGee (1-1) picked up the win, as the right-hander allowed only two hits and an unearned run in 6.1 innings. McGee, who made his first start of the season on Friday, struck out seven.

The series will conclude Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

- SOUTHWESTERN -