ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Easton Teel and two relievers combined on a five-hit shutout for eight innings, and Hudson Ellis drove in three runs as Oral Roberts routed Abilene Christian 9-2 on Friday afternoon at Kimbrell Arena.

The Golden Eagles (3-2) dominated from the start, racking up 15 hits and capitalizing on a masterful pitching performance to hand the Wildcats (2-2) a decisive loss in the series opener, defying a pregame projection that favored the home team.

The most important part of the game was the early and complete dominance established by Oral Roberts starter Easton Teel. The right-hander set an overwhelming tone, pitching five no-hit innings before exiting. He allowed just one unearned run, walked two and struck out five. His performance stifled any early momentum for Abilene Christian and provided a sturdy foundation for the lopsided victory.

Oral Roberts broke through in the second inning. Martell Davis was hit by a pitch and scored on an RBI double down the left-field line by Ellis. The lead expanded to 2-0 in the third when Cooper Combs launched a solo home run to deep left field.

Abilene Christian’s only offense against the Oral Roberts starter came in the fourth. Diego Cardenas led off with a solo homer to right field, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Teel then worked around two walks to end the threat, and the Wildcats would not score again until the eighth inning.

The Golden Eagles broke the game open with a three-run fifth. Cooper Kelly singled, stole second and advanced to third on an error. After a walk, Davis doubled to left field, driving in two runs. Davis later scored on an RBI single by Fender, pushing the lead to 5-1.

Oral Roberts added four more runs in a chaotic seventh inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Ellis. Two runs scored on wild pitches during the frame, which saw three Abilene Christian pitchers struggle with control.

Jack Hill relieved Teel and threw three hitless innings, allowing one unearned run in the eighth. Dylan Christensen pitched a scoreless ninth to seal the win.

Ellis finished 4 for 5 with three RBIs for Oral Roberts. Kelly added three hits and scored twice. Davis drove in two runs.

For Abilene Christian, which grounded into two double plays, Cardenas’s homer accounted for its first run. Miller Hardcastle added an RBI pinch-hit single in the eighth. Wildcats starter Brett Lanman took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits over three innings. Reliever William Patterson provided a bright spot with 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Oral Roberts improved to 3-2, while Abilene Christian fell to 2-2. The teams continue their three-game series Saturday.