Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Ben Fisher hit a monster three-run home run in the first inning and a grand slam in the seventh, but Eastern Kentucky lost, 24-10, to visiting Chicago State in the opener of a three-game series on Friday at Earle Combs Stadium.

Fisher's three-run dinger in the bottom of the first inning staked Eastern Kentucky (10-9) to an early lead.  Chicago State battled back and eventually tied the game at 3-3 on Julian Russell's sacrifice fly in the top of the third.
 
Fisher's bomb over the wall in center field was his team-leading fifth of the season.
 
The Cougars (4-10) scored 10 runs in the seventh inning to open up a 12-run lead, 16-4.  Cody Freund had a three-run home run and Rick Salazar hit a two-run shot for CSU in the big inning.
 
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Fisher sent the ball sailing over the wall in left field.  Shea Sullivan followed with a solo shot to close the gap to seven, 16-9, but that is as close as Eastern would get.
 
Fisher finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and seven driven in.  Sullivan had three hits in five at bats, scored twice and drove in a pair.
 
All the Chicago State starters had at least one hit, one run and one RBI.  Zach Thomas finished 4-for-6 with two runs and an RBI.  Russell had a 3-for-4 day with four runs and five RBIs.
 
The two teams will continue their three-game series on Saturday.  The first pitch at Earle Combs Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.