Charleston, S.C. - Asher Wojciechowski struck out nine in 7.0 innings pitched to help lead the Bulldogs past East Tennessee State on Friday afternoon, 4-1, at The Citadel Memorial Challenge presented by the Charleston Crab House. It was the eighth win in the last 11 home openers for The Citadel, who snapped a two-year opening game losing streak.

ETSU (0-1) struck first as Bo Reeder singled in Michael Gonzalez in the top of the third inning. The lead would not last long however, as the Bulldogs immediately responded in the bottom of the frame. Legare Jones and William Ladd led off the inning with a pair of singles. After a sac bunt from Nick Orvin, Matt Simonelli hit a chopper to third to reach base and an errant throw by Reeder allowed Jones and Ladd to score. Bryan Altman continued the momentum for The Citadel as he doubled to deep center to score Simonelli and put the Bulldogs out in front, 3-1.

Wojciechowski built on his strong finish from the 2009 season and pitching for the U.S. National Team last summer, as he gave up only three hits, all singles in the third inning. The junior hurler struck out nine and walked three in 7.0 innings pitched on 99 pitches.

Simonelli scored another insurance run for the Bulldogs in the sixth after earning a leadoff walk. After advancing on a stolen base and a wild pitch, he scored from third on a sac fly by Altman. Raymond Copenhaver pitched a scoreless eighth, giving way to Drew Mahaffey who earned his eighth career save to close it out in the ninth.

The Citadel finished with nine hits, led by Simonelli who went 2-for-2 with two walks, two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases. Altman added a double and went 2-for-3 with two RBI to pace the Bulldogs.

Chas Byrne took the loss for the Bucs, giving up four runs, three earned in 6.0 innings pitched. He walked one and struck out four. Reeder went 1-for-3 with an RBI for ETSU, as all six Buccaneer hits were singles.

The Bulldogs return to action tomorrow in The Citadel Memorial Challenge presented by the Charleston Crab House as they take on Delaware. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Riley Park. Live video is available through Bulldog Insider. For information on The Citadel Baseball, visit the official site at CitadelSports.com.