CHARLESTON, S.C. — Gardner-Webb dropped its Big South series opener on Friday evening, falling 16-5 to Charleston Southern at Nielsen Field.

The Runnin' Bulldogs (12-10, 2-2) showed early fight at the plate, collecting eight hits and plating runs in four different innings, but Charleston Southern used a pair of big offensive frames to pull away late.

Gardner-Webb struck first in the second inning, manufacturing two runs to take an early lead. The Bulldogs continued to apply pressure in the third and fifth innings, highlighted by an RBI double from Merik Carter and a solo home run off the bat of Kelvin Agosto, who finished with two runs scored and an RBI.

After Charleston Southern evened the game in the second, the Buccaneers took control with a three-run third inning and never looked back. The home side broke the game open in the sixth, scoring five runs, and added three more in the seventh to extend the lead.

Drew Ripepi and Allan Camarillo each contributed RBI efforts, while Ryan Kennell posted a multi-hit performance to pace the Gardner-Webb offense. Thad Ector also provided a spark off the bench, recording a hit and scoring a run.

On the mound, Oliver Ellison (3-2) got the start, working four innings and striking out four. Jerek Hobb followed with two innings of relief, while Nick Blaszczak and Jack Iannibelli closed out the game.

The two teams will continue a three-game series tomorrow afternoon with a first pitch of 1 p.m. The Runnin' Bulldogs will call on RHP Matt Stuart for the start.