MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The University of Mount Olive baseball team overcame an early deficit and gradually established a commanding lead, ultimately defeating Dominican University of New York 13-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Scarborough Field.
After allowing a solo home run in the top of the first inning, the Trojans quickly regained control. Kayden Crawford drew a leadoff walk in the bottom half, followed by Rowan Watt's double to center field, placing two runners in scoring position. Garrett Moffett contributed an RBI single to tie the game, and Mount Olive maintained offensive pressure. Lane McLean and Jakhari Howard each recorded RBI groundouts, enabling the Trojans to score three runs and secure a 3-1 lead after the first inning.
Dominican reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the second inning, but Mount Olive responded promptly. Tariq Talley singled and stole second base, followed by a walk to Crawford. A balk enabled Talley to score, increasing the Trojans' lead to 4-2.
Continuing their momentum, the Trojans increased their lead in the third inning. Moffett reached base on a walk and advanced into scoring position, followed by a single from McLean. Howard contributed an RBI single, Malachi Gales added a run-scoring hit, and Tanner Ferguson delivered a sacrifice fly, resulting in a three-run inning and extending the lead to 7-2.
Dominican added a solo home run in the fifth inning, but Mount Olive continued to benefit from baserunners and assertive baserunning. In the bottom half, Howard singled and stole second base, then scored on Ferguson's RBI single, increasing the score to 8-3.
The Trojans delivered a pivotal offensive performance in the sixth inning. With two outs, McLean drew a walk and Howard singled. Following a double steal and an additional walk, Ferguson hit a two-run single down the left-field line. Mac James subsequently hit a two-run double to right center, expanding the lead to 12-3 and solidifying the Trojans' advantage.
In the later innings, Dominican scored two runs in the seventh, but the Mount Olive bullpen prevented additional scoring. The Trojans added another run in the eighth when Howard singled and eventually scored, capitalizing on a Dominican throwing error to bring the score to 13-5.
Raleigh Walker (1-0) secured the win by pitching a scoreless opening inning. After encountering early baserunners, Kole Hopkins stabilized the game from the bullpen, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing one run, and recording four strikeouts. Aidan Bisbano and Aiden Newton combined for two scoreless innings in the final stages, maintaining the Trojans' lead.
The Trojans return for a three-game series this weekend against #2-ranked North Greenville University.  The series starts on Friday with games beginning at 3:30 PM.