NORFOLK, Va. – Host Old Dominion scored six runs in the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie and send the Monarchs to a 7-1 win over Norfolk State on Saturday afternoon in the season-opener for both teams at the Bud Metheny Baseball Complex.

All six ODU runs in the fourth came with two outs. NSU reliever Ridge Walker, who came on in relief after a strong start by Justin Walton, had a chance to escape the inning unscathed. After giving up a lead-off single to Brock Gagliardi, Walker retired the next two hitters.

Nine-hole hitter Chris Dengler then reached base on a bunt single before Kyle Battle walked to load the bases. Then the Monarchs notched three straight two-RBI hits. Thomas Wheeler knocked in two with a single, Andy Garriola doubled home two more and Matt Coutney capped the rally with a two-run home run.

Wheeler added an RBI single in the sixth for ODU's last run.

Monarch pitchers held NSU without a hit until Alsander Womack's two-out single in the sixth. NSU got its lone run in the ninth, when Mason Velasquez tripled and scored on a groundout by freshman Rhay Street.

Velasquez had two of NSU's three hits, finishing 1-for-3.

Walton pitched well in a pre-determined staff split for the Spartans. He allowed just one hit in three scoreless innings. Walton struck out four. Alex Wright was also strong on the back end, striking out four in two innings of relief.

Walker was charged with the loss. He gave up seven hits and seven runs in 2.2 innings of work.

Hunter Gregory was credited with the win for the Monarchs. He started and did not allow a hit in four innings pitched. He also recorded eight of ODU's 15 strikeouts.

The teams play again Sunday at 2 p.m.