ELKINS, W.Va. — The Davis & Elkins baseball team dropped a 9-1 decision to Winona State on Friday afternoon at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational in Auburndale, Florida.

Winona State jumped out early, scoring in the opening inning on a two-run home run to take a 2-0 lead. The Warriors gradually added to their advantage throughout the game, plating a run in the fifth before scoring two runs in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to build a 9-0 lead.

Davis & Elkins was limited to five hits in the contest while Winona State starter Kyle Thomas controlled the game on the mound, striking out 10 batters over 8.1 innings.

The Senators threatened in the fourth inning after Zach Calef-Boring and Grant Mealey recorded back-to-back singles to put two runners on base. However, Winona State turned a double play to end the inning and keep D&E off the scoreboard.

Winona State extended its lead in the sixth inning with two runs, including an RBI hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly. The Warriors added two more runs in the seventh on a two-RBI triple before tacking on two additional runs in the eighth.

Davis & Elkins broke up the shutout in the top of the ninth inning. Kenny Capria singled and later scored when Carsan Strolla delivered an RBI single to left field, making the final score 9-1.

Capria, Calef-Boring, Mealey, Strolla and Joel Wise each recorded a hit for the Senators.

Cooper Blackburn took the loss for Davis & Elkins, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits over five innings while striking out three.

The Senators returned to action Saturday morning against Malone University at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational.