HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | Baseball extended its winning streak to five games Tuesday evening, defeating Tuskegee 17-13 in a back-and-forth contest at Charger Park.
The Chargers built an early lead before withstanding a late surge from the Golden Tigers to secure the victory.
After allowing a run in the top of the first inning, UAH responded with two runs in the bottom half to take an early advantage.
The Chargers added to their lead in the second inning when Eli Wells launched his first collegiate home run, a two-run shot that added to the Charger lead.
UAH continued to build momentum in the third inning, plating five runs. Seth Staggs delivered an RBI double, while Nathan Mayfield and Brodee Bartlett each added RBI singles. Cross Cacioppo also drove in a run during the inning.
Tuskegee began to chip away in the fifth, scoring five runs in the top half of the inning. UAH answered quickly, as Caleb Mahan connected on his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to regain some of the lost ground.
The Golden Tigers continued their comeback, scoring six runs over the sixth and seventh innings to tie the game at 12-12.
UAH regained control in the bottom of the seventh. CJ Carson came around to score on a throwing error, and Hugh Windle followed with an RBI single to bring home Gavin Galenza, giving the Chargers a 14-12 lead.
The Chargers added key insurance runs in the eighth inning. Mahan recorded an RBI on a sacrifice fly, and Ian Reagan drove in two more runs to extend the lead.
On the mound, Jack Doyle earned his first career win, recording the final out of the seventh inning. Ian Sonner picked up his second save of the season, tossing two innings and striking out four batters to close out the game.
Offensively, UAH was led by several strong performances. Mahan, Staggs, and Wells each recorded two hits, while Mahan finished with three RBIs. Galenza, Reagan, and Wells each added two RBIs.
UAH will carry its five-game winning streak into the weekend as the Chargers return to Gulf South Conference play, hosting Delta State. First pitch for Friday's opener is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Charger Park.
