The Wright State offense started off strong with single runs in the first and second, but the Raiders managed just three hits the rest of the way in dropping a 5-3 decision to UIC Friday night at Nischwitz Stadium.

The Flames opened the scoring with a run in the first, only to see WSU answer with one of its own in the bottom of the inning.  Sean Murphy led off with a triple off the wall in left center and scored as Mitch Roman hit a sacrifice fly to right.

UIC went back in front with a run in the second, but again Wright State matched that in the bottom of the frame.  After Matt Morrow was hit by a pitch and Ryan Fucci walked, John Brodner's hit through the left side drove in Morrow with the tying run.

The Flames, however, regained the advantage with two runs in the third and added another in the sixth.  The Raiders cut the deficit to two on back-to-back doubles in the ninth by Mark Fowler and Michael Timm, but could get no closer.

Fowler had two hits to pace the WSU offense while on the mound, Jeremy Randolph, Logan Blair and E.J. Trapino combined to limit UIC to just one run over six innings in relief.

Wright State (30-13, 14-7 Horizon) and UIC (21-18-1, 16-6 Horiozn) continue the series Saturday at 5:00.