NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Lane Arroyos launched a three-run homer in a decisive second inning, and a parade of eight Western Kentucky pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout for 6 2/3 innings as the Hilltoppers defeated Belmont 7-2 on Wednesday night at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.

The Hilltoppers (13-8) seized control early against Belmont starter Sam Heyman, who failed to record an out in the second inning. Western Kentucky scratched across two runs in the first on an RBI fielder’s choice by Jayden Acosta and a run-scoring double from Henry Robbins.

The game’s pivotal sequence came in the top of the second. After two quick outs, Aiden Haller walked, stole second and third, and Camden Ross also drew a walk. Arroyos then connected on a three-run shot to break the game open, staking Western Kentucky to a 5-0 lead and chasing Heyman from the game.

Belmont reliever Cole Kenyon entered and provided stability, working 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to keep the Bruins within reach. The Hilltoppers, however, tacked on two unearned runs in the sixth. Haller singled and Ross followed with another single before a sacrifice fly from Kaden Hayes drove in one run. Ross later scored on a passed ball to extend the lead to 7-0.

That was more than enough support for Western Kentucky’s deep pitching staff. Starter Ka’olu Holt worked a scoreless first inning, striking out three, before giving way to a bullpen game. Gage Olsen, Roman Petricca, Conner Wolf, Sam Frizzi, Kaine Samuels and Jacob O’Day followed with scoreless outings, holding the Bruins to just one hit through the first seven innings.

The Bruins (8-13) finally broke through in the seventh. Mike Sprockett, who was hit by a pitch, scored on a passed ball after a strikeout by Nicholas Stinson. Belmont added another run in the eighth when Cavan McMeans doubled and scored on an RBI single from Sprockett.

O’Day closed the door in the ninth, striking out two to seal the victory. Western Kentucky’s eight pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts and issued only four walks. Belmont used seven pitchers, with Kenyon and Aubrey Moraitakis, who struck out two in a perfect ninth, providing the most effective relief.

Arroyos’ three RBIs led the Hilltoppers’ offense, which managed just five hits but capitalized on nine walks and two hit batters. Haller scored three runs, walking twice, singling and stealing two bases. Ross had two of Western Kentucky’s hits and scored twice.

For Belmont, McMeans had two of the team’s three hits, including a double. The Bruins left six runners on base and struck out 15 times as a team.

The win improved Western Kentucky to 13-8 overall, while Belmont fell to 8-13. The Hilltoppers have won four of their last five games. The Bruins have lost two straight.

Western Kentucky opens a three-game series at Jacksonville State on Friday. Belmont travels to face Illinois State for a three-game set starting the same day.

The game’s outcome defied a narrow projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 6-5 Hilltoppers win. The firm’s ELO system gave Western Kentucky a 68 percent probability of victory.