Pitt-Johnstown found itself in an early deficit that it could not claw back from in a 7-2 setback to Charleston (WV) in the opening game of a three-game non-conference series on Friday evening at the Welch Athletic Complex.

The Mountain Cats dipped to 5-6 on the year. The Golden Eagles won their fifth straight game to improve to 9-3.

Sophomore starter Ben Tomb suffered the loss after giving up three runs on three hits over four innings of work. The lefty racked up seven strikeouts and kept the Mountain Cats within striking distance despite administering five walks.

Charleston never trailed after tallying two runs in the second inning by drawing four walks and capitalizing on a fielding error. After walking in the second run, Tomb recorded a strikeout to leave the bases loaded.

Aidan Steinbugl walked, Josh Ulery was hit by a pitch and Devon Boyles singled to load the bases to kick off Pitt-Johnstown's half of the fourth. Justin Turcovski paid off those efforts when he reached on a fielder's choice that brought home Steinbugl and made it 2-1.

Steinbugl had two of the Mountain Cats' four hits and reached base all four times he came to the plate.

The Golden Eagles answered with two runs and led 4-1 after four. Despite a solo home run by Erik Rhodes to lead off the fifth, Charleston capped the scoring with three more insurance runs in the fifth.

Austin Hammerle threw four innings in relief and surrendered three runs—one earned—on five hits. He walked three and struck out three.

The Mountain Cats will complete the series with Charleston on Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.