Akron, Ohio -- Akron used a four-run sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie and defeat the Youngstown State baseball team 5-2 on Wednesday afternoon at Canal Park.

The Zips scored three of their runs in the sixth before recording an out to spoil freshman Russ Harless' first career start. Harless allowed just one run on three hits through five innings before the Zips posted the four runs in the sixth off the right-hander.

Drew Dosch and Phil Lipari both had two hits and an RBI, and Dan Hurlimann added two hits for the Penguins. Sam Watkins had three hits, and Brady Stewart hit a two-run double in the sixth for Akron.

Lipari gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead with a two-out RBI single in the second, and Akron tied the score with a run on a ground out in the bottom of the fourth.

YSU stranded two runners in the top of the sixth, and Akron scored three runs on three hits before recording an out in the bottom half. Devan Ahart drew a leadoff walk and went to second on Joey Havrilak's bunt single. Tyler Begun and Stewart then hit back-to-back doubles to produce three runs and chase Harless from the game. Reliever Josh North struck out the first two batters he faced, but Watkins brought in Stewart with a two-out single to make the score 5-1.

Lipari hit a leadoff double in the seventh and scored three batters later on Dosch's ground out to make the score 5-2. YSU had the tying run at the plate in both the eighth and ninth innings but could not get any closer.

Harless allowed the five runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three in five innings of work. No runs were charged to North, Erik Okleson or Nick DiBartolomeo, who each threw one inning of relief.

Danny Fawcett earned the win in relief for Akron, allowing one run on three hits in two innings. Starter Tyler Smith surrendered one run on three hits and two walks in the first five innings.

YSU will start a three-game series with Butler on Friday at Eastwood Field. First pitch against the Bulldogs is set for 3 p.m.