WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah University baseball team combined a eight run fifth with three innings of solid relief from freshman Jason Byrne to defeat Eastern Mennonite 17-7 in non-league action Tuesday afternoon.

The game was halted in the bottom of the seventh due to the NCAA mercy rule after Shenandoah (2-2) scored four runs on three hits. The game-ending run came when EMU (1-2) reliever T.J. Frazier hit freshman Bobby Anthony with the bases loaded.

Anthony's HBP scored classmate Adam Duckett and after some discussion, the umpires called the game.

Byrne (1-0) benefited from an eight run, seven hit fifth to earn his first collegiate victory. Byrne came on two batters into the fifth after classmate Taylor DuFrene allowed the first two Royals batters to reach base.

Byrne retired the first three batters in order, all on ground balls, to get out of the jamb allowing just one run.

In the bottom of the frame, Byrne's teammates gave him all the offensive support he would need.

The Hornets sent 12 men to the plate in the frame as they took a commanding 13-6 lead. Sophomore David Jenkins had two hits in the inning, including a three-run home run on his second time around. His first career home run came with two outs and cleared the leftfield fence with ease.

Jenkins finished the game 3 for 5 with three RBI and four runs scored while Steven Todd, Duckett, Matt McCormick and Daniel Ziccardy all had two hits apiece.

Todd and Duckett each drove in a pair of runs - Todd with a third inning single and Duckett with a double in the third and a bases loaded walk in the seventh.

Box Score/Play by Play 

Shenandoah is on the road this weekend in its USA South Conference opening series at Averett.