EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Kyle Ratliff's seventh-inning home run was the highlight for SIUE baseball as it fell 8-2 in the opening game of a three-game series with Morehead State.

Ratliff lifted his home run to straight away center field.

The Cougars collected six hits and fell to 24-24 for the season and 7-12 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

"It was tough to get anything going offensively," said SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons. "Kyle got a good swing on it. We just couldn't get any hits together. Nothing came in bunches so it was a tough way to win a ball game."

Luke Helton earned his sixth win of the season by tossing seven innings, striking out six. Matt Bettio threw the final two innings for Morehead State, which improved to 31-18 overall and 13-6 in the OVC.

"Helton did a very nice job," noted Lyons. "He was very efficient in his outing."

SIUE's pitchers struck out 12 Morehead State batters but yielded seven walks in addition to the Eagles' 11 hits.

"Free bases," said Lyons. "That's going to hurt you. You can't be afraid to give up hits, but you can't compound it with walks and free bases."

Leadoff hitter Ryley Preece starred for Morehead State with three hits, including a pair of triples.

SIUE starter Tyler DeLong took the loss and is now 5-5.

The two teams will be back at Simmons Complex for game two of three in the series Saturday at 1 p.m.

"Our guys will be ready to come back tomorrow and try to even the series. It's a good team we are playing, and we've got to play better to even this thing up tomorrow," said Lyons.