MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Baseball opened its Gulf South Conference weekend series with an 8-6 victory over Auburn Montgomery on Friday night.

UAH used timely hitting and a steady effort out of the bullpen to secure the Game 1 win, scoring in multiple innings and responding after an early deficit.

AUM struck first with three runs in the bottom of the first inning, but the Chargers answered in the third. Luke Songy sparked the rally with a bunt single, allowing both Taylor Bush and Nathan Mayfield to score and tie the game. Songy later crossed the plate in the inning to give UAH momentum.

The Chargers continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, beginning with Hugh Windle scoring on a bases-loaded passed ball. Caleb Mahan added to the lead with a sacrifice fly from Bush, and Mayfield came home on an RBI single by Seth Staggs to extend the advantage.

UAH added an insurance run in the seventh inning when Mahan doubled to bring in Windle, helping the Chargers maintain control late.

At the plate, Jayce Upton and Windle each recorded three hits to lead the offense. Mahan, Bush, Songy, and Staggs all finished with two hits and an RBI apiece, with Staggs also drawing two walks and stealing a base.

On the mound, Cole Loftis made his eighth start of the season, striking out four over 3.0 innings while allowing three earned runs. Coleman Gann (2-0) earned the win in relief, tossing a scoreless inning in his 10th appearance of the year.

Caden Barnett closed the door for UAH, pitching the final two innings without allowing a run while striking out three to record his first save of the season.

The Chargers will return to action Saturday afternoon to complete the series with a doubleheader against AUM. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.