ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State Golden Rams opened a three-game series with Saint Leo Universityon Friday evening. Unfortunately, ASU could not gain victory in the first contest. After falling behind early, Albany State dropped a 14-3 decision to the Lions.

The loss keeps the Golden Rams winless (0-6), while SLU improves to 3-4 on the season.

Albany State dug an early deficit during the first two innings. Saint Leo scored a run in the top of the first and added six more in the second to generate a 7-0 lead.

The Golden Rams got on the scoreboard in bottom of the second inning. Theo Smith belted a single that scored Jonatan Galan to make the score 7-1. Smith made another contribution in the bottom of the fourth. His double sent Ryan McClendon home, and ASU trailed 7-2.

In the fifth inning, the Lions added two more runs in the top, but Albany State scored one on its own. Kelvin Wimbish scored off a wild pitch to cut the team’s deficit to 9-3.

However, SLU scored five more runs in the final three innings to pull away from the home team.

Smith led Albany State with two hits and two RBIs. ASU collected three hits, committed two errors and left seven runners on base. Brandon Pearson (0-1) was the losing pitcher.

Saint Leo was led by Alex Mata, who recorded three hits and three RBIs. Derei Gibreess added three hits and two RBIs. The Lions tallied 15 hits, committed one error and left 16 runners on base.

The two teams will vie against on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. The contest will be held at ASU West Campus.