JACKSONVILLE, FL—North Florida's Brad Deppermann pitched eight scoreless innings as the Ospreys defeated visiting NJIT, 4-0, to open the weekend ASUN Conference series at Harmon Stadium Friday evening.

North Florida's (19-16, 5-5 ASUN) Deppermann (3-2) allowed eight NJIT hits and fanned 11 Highlander batters. 

NJIT (11-16-1, 3-7 ASUN) which out-hit the Ospreys, 8-7, were led by DH David Marcano, who went 3-for-4 and 2B Brett Helmkamp, who finished 2-for-4.  1B Nick Hussey, 3B Jared Donnelly and CF Michael Anastasia each registered a hit.

Highlander junior RHP Jared Kacso (0-4) pitched his first eight-inning complete game of his career, allowing four runs on seven hits, three walks and one strikeout.

North Florida scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first on a two-out RBI double inside the first base bag.

NJIT threatened in the bottom of the fifth but left a pair of runners stranded at the corners.

The Ospreys put together a three-run sixth inning on three hits and one Highlander error for a 4-0 lead.

NJIT will look to even the series on Saturday with first pitch set for 2pm at Harmon Stadium.