LOUISVILLE, Ky – Bellarmine used a pair of big innings late to pull away from North Alabama for a 16-6 win in Friday's series opener at Knights Field. 

The Knights jumped out early, scoring four runs in the first inning without recording a hit as North Alabama struggled with command. Bellarmine drew four walks, was hit by a pitch, and took advantage of a defensive error in the infield to build an early lead, then added another run in the second on an RBI double from Cole Huett to make it 5-0.

North Alabama answered with a five-run surge across the third and fourth innings and took a 6-5 lead in the fifth, highlighted by a pair of RBI hits from Walker, including a two-run single that helped shift momentum in the Lions' favor.

Bellarmine responded in the sixth with six runs to reclaim the lead. AJ Swader delivered a three-run double, sparking the inning before the Knights broke it open in the seventh. Landon Akers highlighted the frame with a three-run home run—his first of the season—while Eli Watson delivered the final blow with a two-run single to push the lead to 16-6. 

The Knights finished with 12 hits and 10 walks in a balanced offensive effort. Watson drove in four runs, while Akers and Swader each added three RBI's. Huett also scored three times as Bellarmine took full control of the game late. 

On the mound, Evan Hart earned the win in relief, and the Bellarmine bullpen limited North Alabama after the Lions' mid-game push as the Knights closed out the victory in seven innings.

Bellarmine continues the three-game series against North Alabama on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET at Knights Field.

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