MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — David Horn pitched six strong innings and Nathan Brewer drove in three runs as Middle Tennessee defeated Western Kentucky 7-1 on Friday evening at Reese Smith Jr. Field in a Conference USA game.

Horn allowed two hits and no earned runs while striking out seven for the Blue Raiders, who improved to 23-23. Brewer went 3 for 5 with three RBIs, including a two-run single in the fourth inning. Middle Tennessee grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first on RBI singles by Cooper Clapp and Brewer and a fielder’s choice. They added a run on a wild pitch in the fourth before Brewer’s two-run single made it 6-0. Dean O’Neill added an RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth.

Western Kentucky’s only run came on a solo home run by Cael Frost in the ninth. The Hilltoppers managed four hits and fell to 24-22. Gage Olsen struck out seven in 4 1/3 innings but took the loss.

Middle Tennessee outhit Western Kentucky 12-4. The teams continue the series Saturday.