PITTSBURG - Zac Shoemaker pitched six strong innings and Connor Laux delivered a three-run double to help propel the Pittsburg State University baseball team to a 5-1 victory over Regis University in the Gorillas' home opener Friday (Feb. 10) at Al Ortolani Field.

Shoemaker (1-0) allowed just one hit in 6.0 innings. He issued one walk and hit a batter, while registering six strikeouts. Tanner Leslie worked 3.0 innings of two-hit relief behind Shoemaker to pick up his first save of the season.

Laux delivered a bases clearing double in the bottom of the second inning to give Pitt State (3-1) an early 3-0 lead. After Regis (3-2) trimmed the margin to 3-1 in the fourth inning, the Gorillas countered with a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Ryan Koval, who reached on a fielder's choice, came home on Cade Clemons' sacrifice fly and Jake Grauberger, who drew a walk in the inning, came home on a wild pitch.

Clemons collected two of Pitt State's five hits in the contest. The Gorillas also drew five walks and three Pitt State batters were hit by pitch.

The Gorillas and Rangers will resume their four-game series with a Noon (CST) doubleheader Saturday (Feb. 11).