MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders launched three home runs in a decisive third inning and never looked back, defeating the Bellarmine Knights 8-2 on Friday afternoon at Reese Smith Jr. Field in the season opener for both teams.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the third inning, erasing an early Bellarmine lead and setting the tone for the Blue Raiders’ offensive dominance. After scratching across single runs in the first and third innings, the Knights led 2-0. That advantage vanished quickly against Middle Tennessee’s powerful response.

Connor Badylak started the rally with a single. Owen Nowak then connected for a two-run homer to right field, tying the game. The very next batter, Dylan O’Neill, followed with a solo shot to right, giving the Blue Raiders a lead they would not relinquish. The inning continued with a double from Brett Rogers, who later scored on a groundout by Trace Nick, capping a four-run frame that shifted all momentum to the home team.

Bellarmine managed eight hits but stranded seven baserunners, failing to capitalize on early opportunities. The Knights took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Sawyer Pace, who later added a run-scoring double in the fourth. That hit drove in Cole Huett, who had walked, cutting the Middle Tennessee lead to 4-2.

The Blue Raiders, however, answered immediately and pulled away. They added two runs in the fifth on back-to-back RBI doubles from Brock Vondohlen and Nick. The scoring concluded in the sixth when O’Neill singled in a run and Rogers followed with another RBI double, making it 8-2.

Middle Tennessee’s pitching staff limited the Knights after the early scoring. Starter Derek Horn worked three innings before giving way to Cole Kerrigan, who earned the win with three innings of relief, allowing one run. Luke Burch pitched two scoreless frames, and the Knights were retired in order in the seventh and eighth innings.

Bellarmine’s offense was led by Pace, who finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Mason Acton also had two hits. For Middle Tennessee, O’Neill went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Rogers and Vondohlen each added two hits.

Interstat’s ELO system had projected Middle Tennessee with a 69.90 percent probability to win.

With the victory, Middle Tennessee begins its season 1-0. Bellarmine starts 0-1. The teams are scheduled to continue their series with a doubleheader on Saturday.

Bellarmine’s upcoming schedule includes a midweek game at Belmont next Tuesday before a weekend series at Georgia State. Middle Tennessee will host Alabama A&M on Tuesday before a weekend set against Saint Bonaventure.