CENTRAL, S.C. – Southern Wesleyan was limited to six hits and took the loss, 8-0, against Mars Hill in the Warriors' season-opener despite a strong start from freshman Mike Batten.

Batten tossed 4.2 innings in his first start, striking out nine while allowing just six hits and two runs. The freshman took the loss as the Lions pushed home a run in the second and fifth. A leadoff walk by Dylan Powers, one of two given up by Batten, came back around to score as Rayshelon Carolina picked up an infield single.

In the fifth Batten retired the first two batters before issuing a walk to Evan Rogers, After Rogers swiped second, David King dumped in a single to plate Rogers and end Batten's appearance.

All five players at the top of the lineup picked up hits for the Warriors as three – all freshman – collected doubles. Michael Hyman had the only two-hit game for the Warriors.

SWU had a couple of chances despite not plating a run. In the first Hyman led off with a single to center and was replaced at first by Jason Moldenhauer on a fielder's choice. Josh Shimp picked up his first career hit – a double to right – but it came after Moldenhauer was picked off first.  Shimp was thrown out trying to stretch his double into a triple.

In the second the Warriors put a runner at third as Matt Costa moved 90 feet from home after a double followed by a groundout from Johnny Ponder. Julio Lara walked to put two runners on but a fly out ended any threat.

Hyman was in scoring position in the third after a bunt single and a throwing error by the pitcher. He stole  third with one out but again was left stranded after a pair of fly outs. The Warriors put runners on in the fourth and sixth innings but were unable to cash in against Zach Brown. Brown picked up the win with 6.1 innings of work, allowing five hits and one walk. The Lions bullpen allowed just one hit, a double in the eighth by Jason Moldenhauer.

Mars Hill collected 13 hits off of four SWU pitchers. The Warriors issued four walks and struck out 10 in the game. The Lions also used four pitchers, walking one and striking out three.

The Warriors are back in action this weekend as they host Toccoa Falls for a three game set beginning with a single game on Friday at 4 p.m. Saturday's doubleheader is set to start at noon.