Wingate, NC – The University of Mount Olive baseball program erupted for 18 runs on 21 hits, but Wingate plated six runs in the bottom of the ninth to escape with a 20-18 victory on Friday evening in non-conference action at Scarborough Field.  Despite the setback, the Trojans showcased their offensive firepower and resilience throughout the contest, erasing multiple deficits and producing six home runs on the night. Mount Olive moves to 1-3 overall, while Wingate improves to 5-2 following the high-scoring affair.

Mount Olive jumped out to an early advantage in the top of the first inning as senior Kayden Crawford launched a lead off home run to right field. After a single from junior Lane McLean and a double down the left-field line by Malachi Gale, redshirt junior Jakhari Howard grounded out to third base to bring home McLean and give the Trojans a 2-0 lead.  Wingate responded immediately in the bottom of the opening frame, capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive base running to score three runs and take a 3-2 edge.

The Trojans evened the score in the top of the second as Garrett Moffett crossed the plate following a pick-off attempt, tying the game at 3-3. Mount Olive regained the lead in the third inning when Jakhari Howard delivered an RBI single up the middle before scoring on a wild pitch to extend the advantage to 5-3.  Wingate answered emphatically in the bottom of the third, erupting for eight runs on six hits to seize an 11-5 lead. The Bulldogs added three more runs in the fourth to stretch the margin to 14-5.

Mount Olive mounted a significant comeback in the top of the fifth, scoring eight runs on seven hits. McLean sparked the rally with a solo homer to left-center before Howard and Moffett drove in additional runs. Crawford and Rowan Watt followed with RBI singles, and McLean capped the inning with a three-run home run down the left-field line to cut the deficit to 14-13.
The Trojans continued their surge in the sixth inning as Josh Mason blasted a solo home run to left field to draw the game at 14-14. Mount Olive took its first lead since the third inning when Connor Tepatti scored on a fielder's choice, pushing the score to 15-14.

Mount Olive added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings, highlighted by solo home runs from Crawford and Gale, to build an 18-14 advantage heading into the final frame.  Wingate staged a late rally in the bottom of the ninth, using a combination of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a four-run home run to reclaim the lead and secure the 20-18 decision.

Crawford finished the night 5-for-6 with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored, while McLean went 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBIs. Howard added three RBIs and two runs scored, and Gales, Mason, Tepatti, and Moffat were all able to score two runs apiece.
 
On the mound, Pete Honse made the start for Mount Olive, while Jake Fuller delivered 2.1 scoreless innings of relief with four strikeouts. Aiden Newton was tagged with the loss after pitching the final 1.2 innings.

Mount Olive returns to action Friday, when it continues its home stand against UNC Pembroke, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 PM at Scarborough Field.