The game kicked off with Rollins taking an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, thanks to Wilson`s powerful double down the right field line, driving in two runs. Joey Rubin contributed to the scoreboard with a home run in the third inning, while Wilson continued his impressive performance with a sacrifice fly, extending the Tars` lead to 4-0.
After Rollins starter Connor Hensley exited the game following the fourth inning, the Blazers began to rally, scoring their first runs in the top of the fifth. However, Corey Zientek`s two-run home run pushed Rollins` lead to 7-3. The Blazers fought back, tying the game in the seventh inning, but Bennett Durkin`s relief pitching held the score at 7-7 until Wilson`s decisive moment in the ninth. Durkin earned the win, striking out three batters in 2.2 innings, including a pivotal called third strike in the final inning.
In another matchup on the same day, the McPherson College Bulldogs split a doubleheader against RV Doane University and William Penn. The Bulldogs fell short in the first game, losing 5-4 despite a late comeback attempt. Levi Betts pitched five innings, allowing four runs while striking out four. In the second game, McPherson College bounced back with a thrilling 9-8 victory in extra innings, highlighted by Jared Kramp`s two home runs and a three-run shot from Jace Essig. Sussex-Uphold`s record-setting six hits propelled the Bulldogs to victory, with Jameson Caro delivering the game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning.
The Tars will aim to complete the sweep against the Blazers on February 2, while the Bulldogs prepare for their next challenges against the University of Science and Arts and Doane University.
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