Northern Kentucky scored twice in the top of the eighth inning to defeat the Youngstown State baseball team 3-2 in the Horizon League series opener on Friday evening at Eastwood Field.

NKU scored first with a single run in the top of the fourth before Garrett Cutting's two-run home run in the home half of the inning to put the Penguins in front 2-1. The Norse struck for a pair of runs in the top of the eight and held on the series-opening victory.

Youngstown State falls to 7-25 overall and 4-9 in Horizon League play while Northern Kentucky improves to 17-15 overall and 7-6 in league play.

YSU starter Jacob Gehring allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over five innings of work in a no-decision. Braden Gebhardt suffered the loss after surrendering two runs on six hits with five punchouts over four innings out of the bullpen.

Nathan Beckley and Cutting each recorded a pair of hits to pace the Penguins offensively.

The Norse plated a single run in the top of the fourth inning to strike first. Tyler Shaneyfelft reached on a two-out infield single, stole second and scored on Logen Devenport's RBI single through the left side.

The Penguins responded with two runs on one swing in the bottom of the fourth to take a 2-1 lead. Beckley hit a one-out single and Cutting followed with a two-run home run over the left field wall.

Northern Kentucky took its first lead with a pair of runs in the top of the eighth inning. Jake Altman hit a one-out double and scored from second base on Shaneyfelt's RBI single up the middle. Shaneyfelt proceeded to advance to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a passed ball to give the Norse a 3-2 edge.

NKU starter Kaden Echeman allowed two runs on four hits with nine strikeouts over six innings. Shawn Parnell earned the win by tossing two scoreless innings of relief while Evan Fry pitched a scoreless ninth to collect the save.

The Penguins and Norse will continue their three-game Horizon League series on Saturday. First pitch at Eastwood Field is scheduled for 3 p.m.