Box Score MEMPHIS-Visiting Illinois Wesleyan scored three runs in the top of the ninth to break a 4-4 tie and held on for a 7-6 win over the Christian Brothers University Bucs Thursday afternoon at Buc Field.

The Titans (4-2) scored three runs in the first inning on three walks, two singles, and a wild pitch. IWU added a run to its lead in the sixth inning with a run on two walks, a single, and an error.

The Bucs (6-14) tied it at four in the bottom of the inning. After a leadoff error, Jarrett Jenkins (Ridgeland, Miss./Ridgeland HS) legged out an infield single, but the next two Bucs flew out. A hit batter kept the inning alive for Josh Hopkins (Olive Branch, Miss./Southern Baptist Educational Center), who hit a two-run single to right, and Charles Kelly (Bartlett, Tenn./Bartlett HS) followed with a two-run double to tie the game.

Neither team would score again until the ninth inning. In the top of the ninth, the Titans plated three on two singles, two walks, and a hit batter. The Bucs rallied in the bottom of the inning. Kelly singled with one out, and a walk and a hit batter loaded the bases with two out. Another walk brought a run home, and a two-out error pushed the tying run to third base, but the Bucs were unable to score again.

Kelly went 2-for-4 with two RBI, and Hopkins drove in two runs. Dakota Roden (Selmer, Tenn./McNairy Central HS) allowed one unearned run in three innings out of the bullpen, scattering one hit and three walks. Patrick Gurley (Little Rock, Ark./Catholic HS) settled down after the first inning, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings, with six strikeouts.

The Bucs return to action Saturday at noon when they host No. 2 Delta State for a doubleheader.