Freshman Steve Sabatino struck out nine and earned the win in his first career start as Notre Dame defeated Grambling State 10-7 in San Antonio on Wednesday.
The nine strikeouts were the most by any Notre Dame freshman since 2002 and just one shy of the freshman school-record.
The win improves the Irish to 7-4 on the season while the Tigers fall to 3-10.
Jeremy Barnes blasted a three-run homer and earned his first career save when he came on in the ninth. Barnes went 2-for-2 scored three runs and had three walks while Greg Sherry drove in a pair for Notre Dame.
The Irish took a commanding 10-3 lead on three bases-loaded walks and a sacrifice fly in the fifth, but Grambling came back to score four in the ninth before Barnes came on to shut the door.
Notre Dame will be back in action on Thursday in the opening game of the 2009 Irish Classic when it takes on Illinois State at 5 p.m. EDT.