Lynchburg, Va. -- In a tightly-contested battle that saw a two-run ninth inning to walk off with the win, the University of Lynchburg baseball team took down York, 4-3, for the squad's home opener on Friday afternoon at Fox Field.

The No. 7/2 Hornets (5-1) trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth and came up clutch offensively for the walk-off victory against the Spartans (0-2). After York regained the lead in the top of the ninth on a solo home run by Alex Neeld, Lynchburg responded in the bottom half of the frame. Kyle Flora singled up the middle, moved to second on a balk, and stole third. Conner Moore then delivered a single up the middle to bring Flora home and tie the game. After Parker Cato entered as a pinch runner and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jacob Wright, Sean Pokorak lined a single to right center to score Cato and secure the come-from-behind win.

York struck first in the third inning, taking advantage of a passed ball and a fielder's choice to plate the opening run. The Spartans added another run in the fourth on a solo home run by Matthew Wade to move in front 2-0.

Lynchburg answered in the bottom of the fourth. Brandon Garcia worked a walk and stole second before Benton Jones was hit by a pitch. Both runners advanced on a failed pickoff attempt, and Jack Pokorak brought home Garcia with an RBI groundout. Later in the inning, Joe Munitz singled to left center to score Jones and tie the game at 2-2.

The score remained even into the ninth inning thanks to strong pitching from both sides. Tyler Kaltreide went five innings, allowing two runs while striking out eight. Trent Judd followed with three scoreless innings, striking out four and surrendering just one hit. Colin McGuire earned the win in relief. Lynchburg finished with five hits and drew five walks, overcoming a late deficit to complete the comeback in front of the home crowd.

The Hornets rematch the Spartans for the second outing of the three-game series tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 28 on Fox Field at noon.

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