VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The No. 21 Salisbury University baseball team fell in its 2011 opener at Virginia Wesleyan College on Wednesday, 8-1.

Salisbury (0-1) grabbed a one-run lead in the second inning with a two-out rally. Sophomore Matt Beck was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on consecutive walks by sophomore Nick Gentry and freshman John Schiotis. Freshman leadoff man Bill Root singled through the right side allowing Gentry to score the game's first run.

Virginia Wesleyan (3-0) got to Salisbury starter Kyle Judson in the bottom of the third for four unearned runs. A two-out error allowed the Marlins to continue the inning in which they put together three hits. Judson worked three innings in the game, striking out three, and took the loss.

The Marlins put up two runs in the fifth, both credited to senior Dustin Herbert, who worked an inning before giving way to senior transfer Chris Greiner. Greiner was outstanding in his Salisbury debut, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out six in three innings of work.

Salisbury managed just three hits in the game as junior Tyler Bennett and senior Devon Quaglietta each had singles in the contest.

The Sea Gulls will have a big test on Sunday in their home opener on Sunday as they host No. 2 Cortland State at the SU Baseball Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.