BROOKINGS, S.D. (Interstat) — Cooper Kelly’s three-run homer in a five-run first inning powered Oral Roberts to an 8-4 victory over South Dakota State in Summit League play Friday evening at Erv Huether Field.

The Golden Eagles (21-14) sent 10 men to the plate in the opening frame against Jackrabbits starter Sam Schlecht, who allowed four earned runs over five innings. Makani Tanaka added two solo home runs for Oral Roberts.

South Dakota State (11-22) cut the deficit to 8-4 on Nolan Grawe’s two-run homer in the fourth, but reliever Maddox Thornton silenced the rally with four hitless innings of relief to secure the win. Nate Wachter drove in two runs for the Jackrabbits.

The teams continue their series Saturday.