LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Covenant took the first game of its USA South conference series against LaGrange, downing the Panthers 5-2 on Friday.

Cain Sauls led the Panthers (8-4, 0-1 USA South) at the plate. The junior had three hits, including his first home run of the season, and drove in both Panther runs. The Panthers finished the game with eight hits.

Covenant (6-4, 1-0 USA South) built a 5-0 lead through five innings off Panther starter Eric Morell (3-1). Andrew Weekley threw two scoreless innings in relief of Morell. Zach Tatham retired the Scots in order in the eighth.

Sauls homered to left field in the sixth to get the Panthers on the board. He beat out an infield hit in the eighth to score Keith Sims, who had led off the inning with a single.

The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.