MEMPHIS—The Christian Brothers University Bucs continued their run of good pitching and timely hitting as they rallied for a 4-3 win in 11 innings over visiting Illinois Wesleyan Thursday afternoon, rallying from a 3-2 deficit in the ninth inning in their final tune-up before beginning Gulf South Conference play Saturday at Harding.

The Bucs (14-5) flashed their speed in the third inning to score the game's first runs.  Will Wilson (Cordova, Tenn./First Assembly Christian School) drew a one-out walk and scored from first on a Brent Goode (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS) double.  After Jimmy Franklin (Knoxville, Tenn./Powell HS) singled, Goode stole home as part of a double-steal to give the Bucs a two-run lead.

The Titans (4-3) shaved a run off the lead in the top of the fourth inning as A.J. Nathan singled and scored on a Zach Scott single.  They took the lead in the sixth inning.  After a pair of walks, Ryan Hopp hit an RBI single to bring in the tying run, and the go-ahead run scored on a wild pitch.

The game remained 3-2 until the bottom of the ninth, when Alan Wright (Olive Branch, Miss./DeSoto Central HS) drew a leadoff walk and was replaced by pinch-runner Seth Cline (Cottontown, Tenn./Portland HS).  Cline moved to second on a Rob Maxwell (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS) sacrifice bunt, and he scored when Wilson reached on a two-base error.  Wilson ended the inning on third on a flyout.

Caleb Burrow (Bartlett, Tenn./Bartlett HS) drew a leadoff walk to start the 11th inning.  After moving to second on another Maxwell sacrifice, he scored easily as Wilson launched a double into the gap in left-center to end the game.

Shawn Breckenridge (Millington, Tenn./Millington HS) earned the win in his first appearance of the season, throwing two and two-third innings while allowing one walk and pitching around a pair of errors.  Drew Tatum (Southaven, Miss./Southaven HS) also pitched well out of the bullpen, throwing three scoreless innings while allowing one hit.  John Romo (Cordova, Tenn./St. Benedict HS) allowed three runs in five and a third innings in his first start of the season, scattering nine hits and six walks.

Franklin went 3-for-4 to pace the Bucs' offense, while Wilson was 2-for-4.

The Bucs return to action Saturday at noon when they open GSC West play with a doubleheader at Harding.  They face Bethel at AutoZone Park Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m., and their next home game is set for Saturday, March 26, against Henderson State.