MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive baseball team shook off an early deficit and used a series of big innings to defeat Dominican University New York 13–5 Wednesday afternoon at Scarborough Field.
The Trojans fell behind in the top of the first inning after a solo home run by Dominican, but Mount Olive quickly responded in the bottom half. Kayden Crawford started the rally with a leadoff walk before Rowan Watt doubled to center field to put two runners in scoring position.
Garrett Moffett tied the game with an RBI single, and the Trojans kept the pressure on. Lane McLean and Jakhari Howard each added RBI groundouts, helping Mount Olive score three runs and take a 3–1 lead after the first inning.
Dominican trimmed the lead to 3–2 in the second inning, but the Trojans answered again. Tariq Talley singled, stole second base, and later scored after a balk, pushing the lead to 4–2.
Mount Olive’s offense continued to build momentum in the third inning. Moffett drew a walk before McLean singled, setting the stage for Howard’s RBI hit. Malachi Gales added another run-scoring single, and Tanner Ferguson delivered a sacrifice fly as the Trojans scored three more runs to extend the lead to 7–2.
Dominican hit another solo home run in the fifth inning, but Mount Olive maintained control. Howard singled and stole second before Ferguson drove him home with an RBI single to make it 8–3.
The Trojans put the game out of reach in the sixth inning. With two outs, McLean walked and Howard singled before the pair executed a double steal. Ferguson then lined a two-run single down the left-field line, and Mac James followed with a two-run double to right center, stretching the lead to 12–3.
Dominican scored twice in the seventh inning, but the Trojans’ bullpen shut the door the rest of the way. Mount Olive added its final run in the eighth when Howard singled and later scored on a Dominican throwing error to seal the 13–5 victory.
Raleigh Walker (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless opening inning. Kole Hopkins provided key relief, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing just one run and striking out four batters. Aidan Bisbano and Aiden Newton combined for two scoreless innings to close out the game.
Mount Olive now turns its attention to a major test this weekend as the Trojans host No. 2-ranked North Greenville for a three-game series beginning Friday at 3:30 p.m.
