CLINTON, Miss. | Baseball opened its weekend series with a strong road performance, defeating Mississippi College 11-8 Friday afternoon at Frierson Field.

The Chargers set the tone early, scoring two runs in the first inning before adding three more in the second and four in the third to build a commanding 9-1 lead.

UAH's offense stayed aggressive throughout the game, finishing with 11 runs on 13 hits in a balanced effort at the plate. Jayce Upton led the way with three hits and two RBIs, while also adding a stolen base, and Ian Reagan recorded two hits and two RBIs, including a key two-run single in the sixth inning to extend the lead. Trey Greenwell also drove in two runs, while Seth Staggs and Taylor Bush each contributed an RBI as the Chargers continued to apply pressure offensively.

On the mound, UAH used a staff approach to secure the win. Tyler Smith earned the victory in relief, improving to 2-1 on the season, while Jase Gray closed the door in the ninth to pick up his first save of the year.

Mississippi College made a late push, cutting the deficit to three runs, but the Chargers bullpen held firm down the stretch to preserve the victory.

With the win, UAH takes an early advantage in the series and builds momentum heading into the weekend. The Chargers will return to the field Saturday for a doubleheader, with first pitch of Game 1 scheduled for 1 p.m., as UAH looks to secure the series victory on the road.