FERRUM, Va. - Shenandoah University rode the strength of a big third inning Sunday afternoon to open its USA South Conference baseball series with a 9-5 victory over host Ferrum College.

The Hornets (8-5, 2-3 USA South) scored seven runs in the third inning to take a lead it would not relinquish over Ferrum (11-9, 4-3). FC had entered the third inning with a 3-0 lead after scoring two runs in the first and another in the second.

After allowing those three runs on five hits, junior Taylor DuFrene settled down to hold the Panthers hitless over his final 4.1 innings of work. DuFrene (2-2) allowed those three runs on the five hits and four walks before turning it over to classmate Drew Dobbins two batters into the seventh.

Dobbins gave up two runs on five hits, but got the the final eight outs of the game to help DuFrene pick up the victory.

Shenandoah sent 11 men to the plate against FC starter Lincoln Garner (3-1) in that third inning as six players hit safely. Senior Steven Toddprovided the big hit with a one-out double to right center that scored both Scott Lambert and David Jenkins , who both reached via hit by pitch.

SU added single runs in the seventh and eighth to reach its nine-run total while Ferrum attempted to rally by scoring one run in each of its final two turns at-bat.

The Hornets had 11 hits in the win including two each from Lambert, Scott Scott Van Dusseldorp and Adam Kessel.

Matt Gammon had four hits and Nick Baker three for the Panthers.

Box Score 

The two teams conclude their two-game series tomorrow at 3:00.