BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Luke Boykin and Trey Higgins powered a potent Samford offense with key home runs, leading the Bulldogs to a 7-3 victory over Belmont in the first game of a doubleheader on Friday at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium.

The win evened both teams’ early-season records at 1-1.

Belmont struck first, taking an early lead in the second inning when Brody Langlo launched a solo home run to left-center field off Samford starter Mason Blasche. The Bruins extended their advantage to 3-0 in the fifth. After Jake Maddox singled, Cavan McMean connected for a two-run homer to right field, chasing Blasche from the game.

Samford, however, methodically chipped away and then pulled ahead for good. The Bulldogs got on the board in the third inning when Garrett Carr’s sacrifice fly scored Gus Gandy, who had tripled. Later in the same inning, Boykin erased the deficit with a two-run blast to left field, scoring Colton Souders and tying the game 3-3.

The most important sequence of the game came in the bottom of the fourth, shifting momentum permanently to the home team. After Trey Higgins doubled down the left-field line, Gandy delivered a triple down the right-field line to drive him in, giving Samford its first lead at 4-3. The hit also ended the day for Belmont starter Owen Cavey.

Samford’s bullpen, a key factor in the victory, then silenced the Bruins’ bats. Relievers Ryan Vermillion and John Malone combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four. Their work provided stability after Blasche’s early exit and allowed the Bulldog offense to add insurance runs.

Boykin delivered again in the seventh, singling to right field to score John Ince, who had singled and stolen second, pushing the lead to 5-3.

The Bulldogs sealed the victory in the eighth inning against Belmont reliever Brooks McDonald. After Parker McDonald walked, Higgins provided the final margin with a two-run homer to right field, making it 7-3.

Belmont threatened minimally in the ninth, putting two runners on with singles by pinch-hitter Isaac Vander and Mike Sprocke, but Samford reliever Spurrier induced a game-ending double play from McMean.

Samford’s 11-hit attack was led by Boykin, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Higgins added two hits, including his two-run homer, and scored twice. Gandy also had a multi-hit game with a single, triple, an RBI and a run scored.

For Belmont, which managed nine hits, McMean’s two-run homer was the highlight. Charlie Davi added two doubles.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Samford with a 69.60 percent probability to win.

The two teams were set to conclude the doubleheader later Friday. Belmont will host Bellarmine on Tuesday, while Samford will host Alabama the same day.