WINTER HAVEN  – Rowan University scored eight runs in its first two at-bats on seven hits and went on to a 17-11 non-conference victory over Eastern Connecticut State University Saturday evening at Chain of Lakes Park.

Playing its third straight opponent ranked nationally in the pre-season, Eastern (0-3) managed 13 hits – six of them for extra bases – and scored in six of nine innings but was overshadowed by Rowan (2-3), which collected 17 hits off six Eastern pitchers, who also walked seven.

The Warriors entered the game batting only .145 as a team with only three extra-base hits and broke out against the Profs in a battle of two teams which have combined for six national championships.

In his first start of the year, senior righty Tyler Cyr (Bristol) did not survive the second inning. He was charged with seven runs (all earned) on five hits while walking two and fanning one.

First-year junior transfer Chad Adams (Ware, MA) socked Eastern's first home run of the season and matched junior Andrew Scully (Stratford) with two RBI. Scully and senior Joe Perez (North Branford) both tripled for Eastern.

Rowan's 3-4-5 hitters combined for eight hits and four RBI and scored nine runs. Cleanup hitter Casey Grimes had three hits (two doubles), scored four runs and drove in two.

In his collegiate debut, freshman righty Ben Ruddock (Deerfield, MA) closed out the game for Eastern with two hitless innings. He fanned one without a walk.

Eastern faces Wisconsin-La Crosse Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Auburndale.