BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb pitchers fanned 12 batters Friday night, but the Runnin' Bulldogs dropped the series opener by a 4-1 score to Campbell.

The Camels (13-12, 3-1 Big South) got going early, scoring four runs on four hits in the fourth. Two singles set the stage and Drake Pierson launched a three-run homer to left for a quick lead. Ty Babin rattled a triple down the right field line and scored on Waldy Arias' safety squeeze bunt for a 4-0 lead.

Gardner-Webb (10-17, 1-3 Big South) got on the board in the bottom of the second, using a leadoff walk to Bo Rusher III to get started. Alex Ray followed with a single to left center and AJ Jones plated Rusher with a sharp two-out single up the middle to cut the lead to 4-1.

Both starting pitchers settled into a groove from there, with Campbell ace Thomas Harrington and Gardner-Webb's Joe Simeone engaging in a pitcher's dual – with the Camels finally going to the bullpen after the sixth.

Simeone posted five consecutive scoreless frames until he was lifted after the seventh.

Gardner-Webb got its leadoff runner on in the bottom of the eighth, but Campbell reliever Ty Cummings struck out a pair to keep the three-run lead intact.

Simeone (3-4) took the hard-luck loss on the mound, working 7.0 innings and striking out nine. He allowed four runs on six hits and walked three. Michael Portella came on to work 2.0 scoreless frames to keep the 'Dogs within striking distance. Portella struck out three and allowed just one hit.

Ray led Gardner-Webb's offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Peter Capobianco and Jones had Gardner-Webb's other hits.

Harrington (6-1) picked up the win, striking out 12 and allowing just one run on four hits. He walked two and hit one batter. Cummings earned the save in 3.0 scoreless innings.

Connor Denning went 2-for-4 to pace the Camels' seven-hit effort at the plate. Pierson also had a pair of hits, including his big home run in the second inning.

The two teams will resume the series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm on ESPN+, with Phil Constantino calling the action. Saturday's game will also serve as Gardner-Webb Baseball Youth Day, with several special promotions and fan engagement opportunities scheduled throughout the day.