BELOIT, Wis. - Playing in their quasi-home opener Monday evening at ABC Supply Stadium, Beloit's baseball team defeated Grinnell College 7-5 in what was the first conference game for both teams. The two teams combined for 24 hits in the contest.

Grinnell's first and only lead of the day came in the top of the first when they scored on an RBI double to left field. Beloit would tie things up in the bottom of that frame when Matt O'Leary scored on a fielding error. Garrison Ferone also scored that inning on an RBI single by Miles Souza, giving the Buccaneers the lead.

Beloit (6-5, 1-0 MWC) tacked on another run in the third on an RBI single by Deven Irwin. Grinnell (3-9, 0-1 MWC) scored two runs in the top of the fourth to tie the score at three, but Beloit answered again with an RBI single by Connor Vogel, which was later followed by a bases loaded walk issued to Evan Zenger. O'Leary would drive in two more insurance runs in the seventh on a triple to center that rolled all the way to the fence, past a diving centerfielder.

The Buccaneers finished with 13 hits, led by Souza's 3-for-5 night. O'Leary, Ferone, and Irwin each added two base knocks. Aiden Phipps (3-0) preserved his perfect record on the season, allowing three earned runs and striking out four in six innings of work. He gave way to Harvey Pena, who pitched the last three innings to earn his second save of the year, allowing just one run and striking out six batters.

Beloit will conclude their series with Grinnell on Tuesday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Both games will again be played at ABC Supply Stadium, the single A home for the Miami Marlins, in Beloit, Wis.