Xavier used a four-run seventh inning to post a 9-6 win over the Bulldogs Friday afternoon in a BIG EAST series opener in Indianapolis. The teams return to action Saturday afternoon.

Joe Gellenbeck's three-run home run with two outs in the seventh gave the visiting Musketeers an 8-5 advantage after Butler entered the frame with a 5-4 lead. Xavier made the lead hold up in improving to 5-8 in BIG EAST play (16-29 overall). Butler falls to 27-14 (4-5 BIG EAST).

Butler took its first lead of the game with three runs in the second inning, erasing an early 2-0 Xavier advantage. The inning was highlighted by a two-run single by Zach Jarosz.

After the Musketeers manufactured a run in the top of the third to tie the game, Butler responded with two more runs in the bottom half to take a 5-3 lead after three innings.

The teams entered the seventh with Butler leading 5-4 before Xavier's big inning.

Matt Kent came on in relief for Xavier, allowing just one run over his 6.2 innings of work. He picked up the win to improve to 4-1 on the season.

Butler starter Connor Mitchell went six innings, surrendering four runs. He exited with that 5-4 lead. Josh Walker took the loss (3-2) in relief.

Butler's 11 hits were split among eight players in its line-up. Gehrig Parker, Michael Hartnagel and Harrison Freed had two hits apiece. The Bulldogs left eight runners on base.

Xavier had eight hits, including home runs by Gellenbeck and Matt Warkentin.

The teams continue the three-game series Saturday with a 2 p.m. match-up. The game will be streamed live on the Butler Bulldogs Facebook page.