MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia hit three homers to support the pitching of freshman Brock Dykxhoorn in an 11-2 victory over New Orleans on Thursday at Hawley Field.
In the opener of a four-game series, WVU third baseman Ryan Tuntland launched a first-inning grand slam to left-center in the bottom of the first to give Dykxhoorn (1-0) all the support he needed.
The Mountaineers (12-13) tacked on four more runs in the second against New Orleans starter Seth Laigast (0-1), who allowed 10 runs on eight hits and six walks in five innings.
The Privateers (4-23), nearing the end of a 13-game road trip, fell to 2-16 in road games.
WVU collected 10 hits, led by two apiece from Brady Wilson and Jacob Rice. Matt Frazer belted a mammoth solo shot over the right-field fence for his team-leading sixth homer in the fourth inning. Alan Filauro hit hist first career homer in the seventh inning.
Dykxhoorn was impressive in his first career start, holding the Privateers to one run on three hits over six innings. He struck out two and did not allow a walk.
Right-handers Corey Holmes and Jared Hill combined to pitch the final three innings, scattering one run on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks.
The teams return play again Friday at 3 p.m. with sophomore left-hander Harrison Musgrave slated to start for the Mountaineers.