MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Warhawks had the tying run at second and the go-ahead run at first with one out in the ninth, but ULM was unable to push any more runs across in the three-run ninth as Middle Tennessee held on for a 7-6 win at Reese Smith Jr. Field.
Trailing by four runs with just three outs remaining, ULM (18-32, 7-19) refused to go down without a fight. After Justin Stawychny drew a one-out walk, Corben Green followed with a two-run homer as he sent an 0-2 offering from Daniel Palo over the wall in left. Dalton Herrington doubled to left center and Chris Dudley traded places with Herrington with a double of his own to the gap in left center. Kodie Tidwell, the go-ahead run, drew a walk but would advance no father as Chet Simoneaux struckout and Jeff Fuller grounded out to end the game.
ULM starter Shelby Aulds (4-7) was tagged with the loss after surrending four runs (three earned) on nine hits in six innings of work. The senior right-hander walked two and struckout two during his 106-pitch outing.
Green led the Warhawks with three hits, four RBI and two runs. Through two games in Murfreesboro, Green has six hits (eight ABs), five RBI and four runs scored.
Middle Tennessee (27-25, 10-16) reliever Jordan Cooper earned the win to improve to 4-3 on the season. Cooper retired the only two batters he faced in the seventh inning. Daniel Palo earned his eighth save of the season despite allowing three runs on five hits in two innings.
The Blue Raiders jumped on the scoreboard first as Ryan Ford scored on Trent Miller's RBI double down the right field line as Middle Tennessee took a 1-0 lead after one inning.
The Warhawks responded in the top of the second inning as the visiting club evened the contest at one-all. With two outs in the inning and Green standing on third, Tidwell delivered a RBI single up the middle allowing Green to cross home plate.
ULM took the lead an inning later as the Warhawks moved in front, 3-1. With two outs and runners on first and second, Green delivered a two-out, two-RBI double to the gap in left center. Green's base knock allowed Brandon Alexander and Justin Stawychny to score.
Middle Tennessee evened the contest at three-all in the home half of the fourth. Austin Bryant and Ryan Ford delivered RBI singles as the Blue Raiders tied the game.
In the seventh, the Blue Raiders regained the lead as the club scored three unearned runs in the inning. Hank LaRue scored when Johnny Thomas bounced into a double play and Dalton Henzman capped the inning with a two-run homer to left.
Middle Tennessee increased its lead to four runs (7-3) when Ford scored on a RBI ground out by Miller.
The rubber game of the three-game series will take place tomorrow with first pitch slated for 1 p.m.
