Jeff Samardzija pitched eight innings, giving up one run and striking out eight to go 3-1 on the season.


Samardzija lowered his season ERA to 3.16 after allowing the single run on eight hits and just one walk, with the eight strikeouts matching his career high.


Samardzija's other season stats now included a .252 opponent batting average, 18 Ks, 15 walks and 34 hits allowed in 37 innings. The staff ERA dropped to 3.12.


It was a tie game until the sixth inning. ND broke it open late. Pitt always plays ND tough.


An Eck Stadium record-setting total of more than 3,000 tickets (3,028) were sold for the game, with the combination of the rare Friday-night action and the attraction of the two-sport star Samardzija helping to generate tremendous interest in the series opener.


ND goes to 15-8, 3-1 in the conference standings.