ATHENS, Tenn. – The Bluefield Rams were limited offensively in Friday's series opener, falling 12–0 to No. 9 Tennessee Wesleyan at Athens Insurance Stadium.

Tennessee Wesleyan broke the game open in the second inning and added three more in the third inning to extend its advantage to 7–0.

The hosts continued to add on with two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth, building a 12–0 lead heading into the final inning.

Bluefield was held to just two hits in the contest, with Sean Cherry and Josh Holland accounting for the Rams' only base knocks. BU drew one walk and struck out nine times against Tennessee Wesleyan starter Justin Jackson, who tossed a complete-game shutout.

Nick Duncan took the loss after allowing nine runs over five innings of work. Jaden Rose provided relief, pitching the final inning.

The Rams return to action Saturday for Games 2 and 3 of the series against No. 9 Tennessee Wesleyan, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.