Jackson, Miss. — Belhaven University’s baseball team staged a dramatic ninth-inning rally Thursday night, scoring four runs to beat Hardin-Simmons 7-6 at Trustmark Park.
The Cowboys took an early lead, scoring five runs in the second inning on a series of two-out hits, including a two-RBI single from Justin Blancaflor. They built a 6-0 advantage before Belhaven responded.
The Blazers scored their first run in the second inning on a wild pitch after Jake McCann drew a walk. They added another in the fifth and another in the seventh, chipping away at the deficit. Belhaven’s pitching staff kept the Cowboys off the board from the third inning onward, allowing the offense to mount its comeback.
In the ninth, Belhaven’s rally began with a walk from Nick Thornton. A single from Blake McCarthy and a dropped base hit loaded the bases. Owen Abney was hit by a pitch to force in Thornton, then Parker Ryan walked to bring in McCarthy. A hit by pitch from Chess Parker tied the game at 6-6, and Jake Canale’s single to center scored Abney for the winning run.
The Blazers recorded just five hits but drew 11 walks and were hit by five pitches, applying constant pressure. Thornton reached base five times, scoring two runs. McCarthy contributed a hit and two walks, while Roberts had an RBI after being hit with the bases loaded.
Belhaven’s pitching staff, led by relievers Cole Covington, Trey Flettrich, Ashton Bultron, and Will Robinson, combined for seven shutout innings. Robinson earned the win after pitching the final 1.1 innings. The bullpen limited Hardin-Simmons to five hits and struck out seven.
Belhaven improved to 5-0 and will continue its homestand at Trustmark Park this weekend. The team aims to carry its momentum from the comeback into upcoming games, following a sweep of No. 25 East Texas Baptist last weekend.
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