LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Campbell Fightin’ Camels capitalized on a pivotal three-run sixth inning, fueled by Cal Poly defensive miscues, to secure a 5-2 season-opening victory over the Mustangs on Friday at Jim Perry Stadium.

In a game where both teams managed seven hits, Campbell’s ability to convert Cal Poly mistakes into runs proved the difference. The contest, played on February 13, 2026, saw the Fightin’ Camels improve to 1-0 while the Mustangs began their season 0-1, despite being narrowly favored by Interstat’s ELO system pregame.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the bottom of the sixth with the score tied 2-2. Campbell’s Joey Morton sparked the rally with a single, moving Aaron Smigelski, who was pinch-running after Lawson Oster reached on a throwing error, to third base. Andrew Schuldt then delivered a crucial double to right field, driving in Smigelski with the go-ahead, unearned run.

The Mustangs’ defense unraveled further on the next play. Elijah Clayton singled to score Morton, and a subsequent throwing error by Cal Poly’s Tayman on the same play allowed Schuldt to cross the plate, extending Campbell’s lead to 5-2. The three-run outburst transformed a tight game into a more comfortable margin for the home side.

Cal Poly had opportunities but consistently stalled against Campbell’s pitching and its own double-play balls. The Mustangs grounded into two double plays, including one in the sixth that did plate a run but also cleared the bases. They scored their first run without a hit in the opening inning, taking advantage of two walks, a hit batter, and a sacrifice fly. Their second run came in the sixth on the double play, and their final tally was driven in by Wyatt Downing’s RBI single in the eighth.

Campbell starter Lleyton Grubich navigated 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits. Reliever Zach Sabers earned the win with 2 2/3 scoreless innings of work, effectively silencing the Mustang bats after inheriting the lead. Troy Cooper took the loss for Cal Poly in relief.

The Fightin’ Camels were led offensively by Reed Rumley, who scored twice, and Charlie Music, who drove in two runs, including a game-tying RBI single in the third. Schuldt’s go-ahead double in the sixth was the game’s biggest hit.

Cal Poly will look to even the series in a doubleheader against Campbell on Saturday, February 14. Campbell’s next game is at home against East Carolina on Tuesday, February 17.