MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Barry University's baseball team suffered a 2-0 loss to Sunshine State Conference foe Florida Tech Friday night in the weekend series opener.

The Bucs (18-16, 2-8 SSC) struggled at the plate, mustering four hits on the night. FIT (21-14, 5-8) had five. But the Panthers pushed a run across in the bottom of the first and another in the seventh, and that was enough.

Barry was held scoreless for the first time this season.

Buccaneers left fielder Mike Diaz had two hits in four trips to the plate, batting out of the leadoff spot. Right fielder Ryan Baldwin and designated hitter Frank Gonzalez both went 1 for 3. 

FIT starter Ty Cohen earned the win with a seven innings pitched, nine-strikeout performance to improve his record to 6-4. Barry starter Alex Lavandero fell to 4-3 on the year after fanning nine in 6 2/3 innings. Lance Elder worked an inning and a third of scoreless relief, striking out two without allowing a hit.

The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.