GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — The Pittsburg State University baseball team claimed a 4-1 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the season opener for both squads Thursday (Feb. 5) at QuickTrip Park.

The Gorillas (1-0) rode a strong starting pitching performance from freshman lefthander Blaine Fisher and Pitt State plated three runs in the top of the fifth inning to overcome a 1-0 deficit against the Bulldogs (0-1) in opening-day action of the QuickTrip Division II Classic.

Derek Hackney went 2-for-5 with two RBI including a run-scoring single in the Gorillas big fifth inning. Andrew Kreiling also went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two walks, while Cole Brecheisen went 1-for-3 with two runs scored.

Fisher, who came to Pitt State from Olathe South High School, allowed just two hits and one earned run in five innings of work. He walked two, hit a batter and registered five strikeouts. Three relievers combined to scatter four hits in four scoreless innings of relief behind Fisher. Drake Herrman allowed two hits in two innings of work, while Blake Vail allowed one hit in the eighth. Ryan McKay got the final three outs for the save.

The Gorillas will return to action Friday (Feb. 6) at 7 p.m. (CST) against Arkansas-Monticello at QuickTrip Park.