BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Belmont Bruins opened the 2026 season with a split doubleheader against the Samford Bulldogs Friday at J.L. Griffin Field, dropping the opener 7–3 before responding with a dominant 14–4 victory in the nightcap.
Belmont showcased resilience across the twin bill, bouncing back from a midgame setback in Game One with an offensive outburst that produced 14 runs on 17 hits in Game Two.
Samford claimed the first game despite Belmont striking early. Brody Langlotz gave the Bruins their first lead of the season with a solo home run in the second inning, but the Bulldogs answered with a three-run third inning highlighted by a two-run homer to take control. Belmont closed the gap in the fifth when Cavan McMeans launched a two-run shot to make it a one-run game, yet Samford added insurance runs in the seventh and a two-run homer in the eighth to secure the 7–3 decision. Belmont recorded nine hits in the opener, including two doubles from Charlie Davis, but was unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities late.
The Bruins responded emphatically in Game Two, erupting for eight runs in the second inning to seize momentum for good. Noah Burnham delivered the key swing with a bases-clearing double, while Landon Godsey, Michael Lareau, and Langlotz each contributed run-scoring hits during the frame as Belmont built an 8–0 advantage.
Belmont continued to apply steady offensive pressure, adding runs in the fifth and sixth innings before breaking the game open with a four-run seventh. The Bruins' lineup produced consistently throughout the contest, finishing with 17 hits and six players recording multi-hit performances. Burnham led the charge with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, driving in three runs and scoring three times, while Godsey and Davis added three hits apiece.
On the mound, Tate Marland anchored Belmont's bounce-back effort, allowing just one run on two hits over five innings while striking out four to earn the win. The Bruins' pitching staff limited Samford to four hits in the game and prevented any sustained offensive momentum.
Across the doubleheader, Belmont totaled 20 runs on 26 hits, highlighted by timely extra-base hits and improved situational hitting in the nightcap. The split moves the Bruins to 1–1 on the young season and provides early momentum as they continue opening weekend play.
Belmont will look to carry the offensive rhythm from Game Two into the third and final game of the series tomorrow at 1:00 from Joe Lee Griffin Field.
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