CULLOWHEE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Morehead State Eagles erupted for six runs in a chaotic first inning and rode a trio of dominant relief pitchers to an 8-5 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Thursday night at Hennon Stadium.

The most important part of the game was its explosive beginning, which saw the Eagles send 10 batters to the plate and seize immediate control. After a strikeout to open the game, Nick Germann singled and scored on an RBI double from designated hitter Aubrey Kearns. Kearns then came home on a wild pitch during Ryley Sheridan’s walk. Following a hit-by-pitch, shortstop Jaden Correa delivered the decisive blow, a three-run homer to left field that staked Morehead State to a 6-0 lead before Western Carolina recorded a third out.

That early outburst made a winner of Eagles starter James Fordham, who labored but lasted 6 2/3 innings. Fordham allowed four hits and six earned runs, striking out 10 but also walking four and hitting three batters. The Catamounts chipped away at the large deficit, with Jackson Lyda launching a solo home run in the third inning. Western Carolina added single runs in the fourth and fifth frames, the latter on a sacrifice fly by Nate Raleigh, to close the gap to 6-3.

The Eagles’ bullpen, however, slammed the door. After Landon Waugh allowed two earned runs over 3 2/3 innings, Cole Wells entered in the fourth and provided critical stability. Wells pitched 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief, allowing just one earned run while striking out one. Devin Costa followed with a perfect eighth inning, striking out one.

Morehead State added crucial insurance in the ninth. Roman Krupp singled, stole second and third, and scored on a throwing error by the catcher. Later in the inning, Kearns delivered his third RBI of the night with a double to score Germann, who had walked and stolen second.

Kearns was the offensive star for Morehead State, finishing 3 for 4 with a walk, two doubles and three RBIs, continuing a strong stretch at the plate. Correa’s first-inning homer accounted for his three RBIs.

Western Carolina mounted a final threat in the bottom of the ninth against Eagles reliever Hayes. Noah Quarless, who went 2 for 4 with two doubles, led off with a two-bagger. After a hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch put runners on second and third, J. Jones singled through the right side to drive in two runs and cut the lead to 8-5. Hayes recovered to strike out Raleigh swinging to end the game.

John Lobs and Davis Budd provided scoreless relief for Western Carolina, with Lobs tossing 1 1/3 innings and Budd getting the final two outs of the ninth.

The victory improved Morehead State’s record to 10-7, while Western Carolina fell to 11-7. The game opened a four-game series between the teams, which continues Friday at Hennon Stadium.

The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose ELO system gave Western Carolina a 64% probability to win. The Eagles’ simulated score prediction of a 6-5 Morehead State win was closer, but underestimated the Eagles’ final tally.

Morehead State has now won five consecutive games. Western Carolina saw a two-game winning streak snapped.