WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 1, 2025) -
Mason Wilson delivered a no-doubt, walk-off home run to lift the Tars to a 9-7 victory on Saturday, clinching the first series of the season over the Valdosta State Blazers. Wilson's heroics sealed a thrilling victory, the first win in walk-off fashion since March 15th of last season.
Rollins jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning off the bat of Wilson, Saturday's star, who battled two outs and two strikes to deliver a pair of RBI with a double down the right field line.
Joey Rubin tacked on another run, parking one over the left field wall to begin the third inning. Following a pair of singles off the bat of
Jeslyn Whitehead and
Dalton Pyzer, Wilson drove in another with a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Tars a 4-0 advantage after three.
After Rollins starter
Connor Hensley stranded two Valdosta State runners on base, the Tars tacked on another run to extend the lead to five, after four complete frames. Hensley, who exited after the fourth inning, finished his scoreless outing surrendering five hits while striking out three.
The Blazers showed their first sign of offensive production in the top half of the fifth, scratching two runs across thanks to production from the top of the order. The momentum did not last long, however, thanks to
Corey Zientek. The graduate transfer mashed a two-run home run for his first hit in a Tars uniform on what turned out to be the last pitch that Valdosta State starting pitcher Hunter Booth would throw.
Rollins held on to a 7-3 lead heading into the top half of the seventh before the Blazers caught fire. Fueled by three hits and two walks, Valdosta State tied the game in a flash. Bennett Durkin came in to shut down further damage and keep the score knotted at seven, where it would eventually stay before Wilson's ninth inning blast.
Durkin, who was making his debut for the varsity team, deserves his flowers for his day on the bump. The senior held the Blazers in check in the final 2.2 innings, striking out three, including a dramatic called third strike, freezing the final batter, in the top half of the ninth. Durkin earned the win for his efforts thanks to Wilson ensuring there would be no extra frames to decide this one.
The Tars will be back in action tomorrow looking to complete the sweep over the visiting Blazers. First pitch from Alfond Stadium is scheduled for 12pm. If you can't make it to the game, be sure to check out the live stream at RollinsSports.com.
