Struthers, Ohio -- Canisius opened the game with a four-run first inning and closed it out by scoring eight times in the ninth to defeat Youngstown State 16-4 in the Penguins' home opener on Wednesday at Cene Park.

The Penguins had 12 hits, but they also stranded 12 runners and were victimized by solid defensive plays by the Golden Griffins all afternoon. Tom Clayton had three hits, and Jacke Healey drove in two runs.

Canisius improved to 15-9 while Youngstown State fell to 10-11.

The Golden Griffins jumped on YSU starter Cody Dearth for four runs on three hits and three walks in the first inning before he exited after facing eight batters. Corey Vukovic came on and kept the Penguins in the game as Canisius scored a run apiece in the second and fourth innings.

The Penguins stranded nine runners through the first six innings, and their lone run came in the fifth when Healey's bad-hop single brought in C.J. Morris, who doubled to start the inning.

YSU reliever Kevin McCulloh did not allow a run in three innings, but Canisius scored twice off Trent Wood in the eighth to go up 8-1.

The Penguins started to find holes in their half of the eighth when they broke through for three runs on four hits. Clayton led off the inning with his third straight single, and he went all the way to third on a wild pitch and an ensuing throwing error by catcher Paul Panik. Clayton scored on Armani Johnson's sacrifice fly. Derek Carr followed with a single, and he scored two batters later when Healey hit a bloop triple down the right field line that bounced away from a triangle of fielders. Jeremy Banks singled in Healey to end the scoring.

Canisius answered with eight runs on six singles and three walks in the top of the ninth for the final tally.

Nathan Linseman did not allow a run in four innings of work in his first appearance of the season to earn the win for Canisius.

The Penguins will play their first Horizon League home game on Friday when they open up a three-game series with UIC. YSU and UIC will also play a doubleheader on Saturday at 11 a.m., which was previously scheduled for noon.