Wilmington, NC - Hofstra starter Mark Faello pitched a complete game, allowing three UNCW runs on three hits with a career-high nine strikeouts, but came up on the short side of a 3-1 score in the opening game of a three-game Colonial Athletic Association series at Brooks Field Friday night.

Hofstra slipped to 12-12 overall and 4-3 in league play with the loss. The Seahawks moved to 17-11 overall and evened their CAA record at 2-2.

Faello (3-2) went the distance for the second time this season. The senior right-hander gave up a pair of doubles and his only walk in a three-run fourth inning and then allowed a single in the fifth. Ethan Baucom had the big hit in the fourth for the Seahawks, a 2-run double that made it 3-1.

Hofstra had taken a 1-0 lead in the second as Kevin Bruggeman led off with a double and moved to third on a double from Sean Flaherty. Ryan Morash followed with a high chop to third that he beat out for a single and drove in Bruggeman.

R.J. Sales (4-1) picked up the win after allowing a run on six hits in six innings of work. Sales had nine of UNCW's 16 strikeouts in the game. Hunter Hodges pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his third save.

The teams continue the series Saturday at 4 p.m.

Notes:
-Faello had strikeouts in seven of his eight innings and struck out the side in the third.
-Morash and Brian Morrell each had two hits in the game.
-Bruggeman extended his hitting streak to 12 games.
-Hofstra had nine hits including four doubles.  
-Hofstra left 10 runners on base.