MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Plattsburgh State baseball team dug itself an early hole and lost a 6-1 decision Thursday to Manchester College in the Cardinals' season opener here at The Ripken Experience. Manchester improves to 2-0.

The Spartans struck for five runs in the top of the first inning, sparked by back-to-back doubles to lead off the game and both of those runners would score.

Starting pitcher Corey Johnston took the loss for Plattsburgh, working four innings. Freshman Brian Burns had an impressive collegiate debut after relieving the senior in the fifth. Burns allowed just one hit and struck out four in three scoreless frames.

The Cardinals scored their only run in the ninth inning on an RBI-single by Anthony Presto, who was a bright spot in an otherwise sparse offense. The junior college transfer from Orange Community College went 3-for-5 in his Cardinal debut.  Andrew Baio also had three hits.