WALTHAM, Mass. – Graduate right-hander MacGuire O'Sullivan (Durham, Conn.) and junior righty Johnny Davis (Marstons Mills) combined on a three-hit shutout as Assumption University took the opener of a four-game series from Bentley University, 4-0, in Northeast-10 Conference baseball Friday afternoon on DeFelice Field.

It was the conference and home debut for Bentley, which was technically the road team as the game was scheduled to be played in Worcester. The Falcons, who had been averaging nine runs a game, slipped to 8-6 overall while Assumption (6-12) squared its conference record at 1-1.

The game was scoreless through six-and-a-half innings. Senior catcher Christopher Rabias (Chelmsford) drew a lead-off walk, was sacrificed to second and scored on a bloop single to right center by Assumption's number nine hitter, graduate shortstop Jake Hamel (Uxbridgr). It was the third hit in as many at bats for Hamel.

Assumption broke the game open in the eighth, a three-run two-out homer by Rabias that cleared the left field fence.

Bentley threatened in both the sixth and seventh innings but stranded runners on second and third in both frames. O'Sullivan, who struck out eight, got out of the sixth with a K and the seventh with a grounder to first.

The loss spoiled a strong effort by Bentley graduate right-hander Brandon Ostiguy (East Greenbush, N.Y./Columbia HS). He pitched five scoreless innings, gave up five hits, didn't issue a walk and struck out four.

With inclement weather expected for Saturday, the two teams will resume the series with a doubleheader Sunday at noon.  They'll also play a single game Monday afternoon.