TOWSON, Md. – Sophomore Matt Golczewski came out of the bullpen and held Elon off the board over his first five innings, but it was not enough as Towson fell 6-1 to the Phoenix in the series opener Friday afternoon at Schuerholz Park.
 
Elon (17-18, 8-5 CAA) got off to a quick start as they got solo home runs from Casey Jones and Ryan Cooper in the first inning.  They extended their lead with two more runs in the second inning.
 
Towson (10-24-2, 4-9 CAA) got one run back in the first inning after Coin Dyer and A.J. Gallo walked.  Peter Bowles plated Dyer with a single just inside the bag at third.
 
Golczewski entered the game in the second inning after starter Nick Cioffi (0-2) took a ball off his leg.  Golczewski kept the Phoenix hitters off balance and off the scoreboard until running into trouble in the eighth inning.  He would end his day by allowing two runs, one earned, on seven hits and three strikeouts over six innings.
 
Elon starter Matt Harris (4-2) was in command the entire game as he limited the Tigers to just one run on three hits over 6.2 innings.  He was helped by some outstanding defense as all three of his outfielders made catches that took away extra bases from the Tigers.
 
Towson had some chances against the Phoenix bullpen as they had runners on second and third with one out in the eighth, and bases loaded with one out in the ninth, but failed to score.
 
The two teams will play the middle game of the three-game series Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.