HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Right-handed pitcher Brayden Johnson tied his own program record with 13 strikeouts as University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball opened the 2023 season with a 6-0 win over East Central University in the Dugan Invitational.

Johnson achieved the feat over seven scoreless innings while allowing just a single hit, taking a no hitter into the sixth inning. He walked one and hit one batter and struck out the side in the second. The 13 strikeouts also set the Dugan Invitational record.

The Lions offense gave Johnson all the runs he would need in the top of the third, scoring three times. The first two batters reached via a hit by pitch and a walk, with outfielder Michael Brinton coming around to score on a sacrifice bunt and an error by the pitcher for the first run.

Designated hitter Dan Taylor then scored on a sac fly by first baseman Dakota Peters with catcher Kade Brewer delivering an RBI single for the Lions first hit of the season and a 3-0 lead.

The Tigers put two on in the sixth with a hit by pitch and a walk before Johnson secured the second out with another punchout. ECU then collected their first hit, but right fielder Brandon Ulmer threw the runner out at the plate to end the inning.

UAFS then added three insurance runs in the ninth, started by a leadoff triple by second baseman Noah Davis. Brinton was then hit by a pitch and stole second before Taylor drove in Davis with a single to left.

Shortstop Matt Schilling added an RBI with a groundout and Brewer capped the inning with his second RBI on a double to left.

The Lions struck out 17 as a team, with relievers Jakob Petross and Logan Grant each tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts each.

Brewer and Davis each finished 2-for-5 at the plate with Brewer collecting two RBIs. Both Brinton and Taylor scored two runs apiece.

UAFS concludes the Dugan Invitational Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ouachita Baptist.