MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Southwestern scored five runs in the ninth inning to defeat Oglethorpe, 13-12, at the Firehouse Classic in the 2017 season opener.

The Pirates (1-0) trailed 12-8 in the bottom of the ninth. The Bucs loaded the bases and Thomas O'Brien drove in one with a single to right field. After a popout, Ben Little cleared the bases with a triple to right, which tied the game. After another Pirate was retired, Colby Schmidt delivered a walk-off single that plated Little.

Southwestern collected 17 hits in the contest, but the Pirates also committed five errors in the field.

Little was 4 for 6 with a triple, a homer and four RBIs, while Schmidt also was 4 for 6 and drove in three runs, including the game-winner.

Colton Hunter (1-0) received the win in relief. The freshman came on in the ninth and allowed a hit and walked a batter.

Will Preston started the game for the Bucs and came out after four innings of work. The right-hander gave up five runs on six hits, walked four and struck out eight.

Southwestern will return to action Saturday with two games to wrap up its opening weekend. The Pirates will face LaGrange at 10 a.m. and Rhodes seven hours later.

– SOUTHWESTERN –