EVANSVILLE, Ind. – SIUE got a good start from Tyler DeLong, managed just five hits and fell in the opener of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series 5-1. Friday.

The Cougars dropped to 10-9 in OVC play and 18-26-1 overall. USI is 9-10 in the league and 20-26 overall.

Screaming Eagles starter Grant Parson (4-3) allowed just a run on five hits over seven innings. He struck out nine.

"It was a tough day offensively," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said. "Parson did a nice job, and we didn't make the necessary adjustments."

SIUE's only run came in the sixth inning. Trailing 2-0, the Cougars put the first two runners on base when Ryan Niedzwiedz walked and Ethan Willoughby singled. They advanced to second and third, respectively, on a passed ball. Niedzwiedz scored on a sacrifice fly by John Stallcup. That's all the Cougars would get.

"We had an opportunity for more in the sixth and we just didn't capitalize," Lyons said.

USI added to the lead in the seventh inning. DeLong started the inning, but exited after a leadoff walk. Two hits and two more walks allowed the Screaming Eagles to score three runs to extend the lead to 5-1.

DeLong allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits. He struck out seven.

"Tyler DeLong gave us six strong innings," Lyons added.

Stallcup was the only Cougar with more than a single hit. He was 2-3 with the sacrifice fly and RBI. Niedzwiedz, Willoughby and Lucas Spence each had a single hit.

SIUE and USI will play game two of the series Saturday afternoon at USI Baseball Field.

"We'll regroup and be ready to go tomorrow," Lyons said.