JACOBS FIELD | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Baseball team, led by second-year head coach Kyle Friday, kicked off the 2025 season with a non-conference doubleheader at home on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 1, splitting the two games with Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) in the process.
The Rams secured a thrilling 9-8 walk-off victory over the Lions in game one of Saturday's DH, while falling 11-6 in the nightcap to begin the campaign 1-1 on the year. Both teams are set to meet for an additional doubleheader on Sunday, Feb. 2 at Jacobs Field to close out the four-game series during NAIA Opening Weekend.
Game One Recap; Rams Walk to Walk-Off
The Rams overcame an early deficit in the first game of the season, using a dominant third inning and strong bullpen performances to secure the win. After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, Mobile responded with a seven-run explosion in the third, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple by first baseman Reece Buck. Newcomer Zion Taylor added a key two-run double in the inning, while Bryce Eddington and Sam Bowman each picked up an RBI in the frame.
Up 8-4 entering the middle innings, Breyton Cornelius managed to throw three strong innings from out of the bullpen, allowing just two unearned runs and two hits. Freed-Hardeman managed to rally to tie the game 8-8 in the seventh and final inning, but the Rams' patience approach in the bottom half of the seventh eventually saw leadoff batter Peyton Bell work a bases-loaded walk to win the game, 9-8.
Bell finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and a pair of walks, while Reece Buck ended his day 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Mobile saw seven players combine for nine hits in the victory.
On the mound, first-year Ram Andin Bolen got the start and tossed three innings, but it was Isidro Jimenez who was awarded the win on the bump following a blown save opportunity in the seventh. Mobile's pitchers combined to strike out five batters, while allowing eight hits.
Game Two Recap; Lions Get Revenge
In the nightcap at Jacobs Field, Mobile got off to a quick start by plating two runs in the first inning and adding another in the third. However, Freed-Hardeman responded with a big fourth inning, scoring three runs to take the lead, 4-3. The Lions continued to build momentum on the offensive end, exploding with a five-run sixth inning that put the game out of reach. Mobile's offense rallied for three runs late in the ninth, but the deficit was too much in the end as Freed-Hardeman earned the 11-6 win.
Alex McWhorter highlighted the offense with a 3-for-5 showing, collecting four RBIs in the process. Sam Bowman followed by smacking the team's first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning. Mobile struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities as a team, however, leaving a total of 10 runners on base. Defensively, the Rams committed three errors, which contributed to the deficit.
Mobile Head Coach Kyle Friday was forced to use seven arms on the mound for game two, with no pitcher tossing more than 3 2/3 innings.
Sunday Doubleheader Ahead
Mobile wraps up the weekend four-game set with another doubleheader against the Lions, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT at Jacobs Field. Sunday's doubleheader will be broadcasted live on the University of Mobile Sports Network.
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted, and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
