MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Mark Vasquez allowed just one earned run and struck out 10 in seven-plus innings of work as top-ranked Faulkner fought off Bethel 5-1 here Friday night in the opener of their three-game Southern States Athletic Conference series at Harrison Field.

Vasquez improved to 6-0 with the victory, as the Eagles improved to 27-5 overall and 10-0 in the SSAC. Bethel fell to 17-8 overall and 3-4 in the conference, aiding the Faulkner effort by issuing nine walks and hitting two batters. The Eagles last three runs came without the benefit of a hit. Bethel actually outhit Faulkner nine to five, but left 11 runners on base.

The Eagles grabbed an early lead in the second. Dennis Morton's one-out double put runners at second and third, and Deivy Palmeiro's infield groundout scored Dario Polanco to put Faulkner ahead 1-0. The lead grew in the bottom of the third, with Darrius Jennings and Alexis Cruz opening the frame with back-to-back doubles to push it to 2-0.

Faulkner added to its advantage, turning a pair of walks and an infield error into another run to make it 3-0 through seven innings. Bethel battled back in the eighth, with Christian Padin opening the inning with a single and then scoring on Kendall Adkisson's double down the line at first. After a walk put runners at first and third with two outs, Faulkner head coach Patrick McCarthy turned to reliever Miguel Castellanos. The hard-throwing right-hander struck out the Wildcats' designated hitter Sam Seaton to end the threat and preserving the 3-1 lead.

Looking for some insurance in the ninth, three straight free passes loaded the bases with one out for pinch hitter Chase Morris. After falling behind 0-2 Morris took the next four pitches and drew a walk, driving in a Faulkner run to extend the lead to three. Cruz then walked to drive in another run, sending the Eagles to the ninth with the four-run cushion.

Castellanos recorded the final out of the eighth and, after allowing two on in the ninth, retired the final three batters to earn his second save of the season. Jennings and Cruz each had two hits for the Eagles.

Faulkner and Bethel play a doubleheader Saturday afternoon. First pitch for the opener is set for 1.