By: Dalen Jensen
Game 1
The Jackets struck first in Game 1 after Josh Lile hit a two-RBI single, capturing momentum early. The pressure didn’t stop there, as Ty Phillips later scored to give the Jackets a 3-0 lead.
However, the Prairie Wolves responded in the bottom of the second inning, scoring three runs to tie the game. Strong pitching from junior starter Luke Watkins and freshman reliever Trace Garcia held the Prairie Wolves scoreless for the remainder of the game.
The Jackets added a run in the sixth inning, taking the lead on a Landon Prestage sacrifice fly. In the eighth, Prestage delivered again with an RBI double, securing the Jackets’ 5-3 victory.
Game 2
Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader got away early, as the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves defeated the Yellow Jackets 27-12. The Prairie Wolves scored 16 runs in the first inning, quickly putting the game out of reach.
Despite the lopsided score, the Jackets continued to battle throughout. Junior third baseman Josh Lile led the offense, going 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs, while several other Jackets recorded multi-hit games.
In the end, it was still a strong offensive showing, even if the final score did not reflect it.
Game 3
In the series rubber match, the Jackets got off to another hot start, taking a 5-0 lead after two more home runs from Josh Lile, bringing his weekend total to three.
Brant Wilson pitched well through five innings before the Prairie Wolves answered with seven unanswered runs to take a 7-5 lead.
With their backs against the wall in the ninth inning, senior outfielder Jace Mackenzie delivered a two-RBI double to tie the game. A junior outfielder followed with an RBI single to give the Jackets the lead. The Jackets held on to secure the win and take the series.
The Jackets will face McMurry University on April 7 before opening conference play later that weekend.
After the game, head coach Stephen Lynn said, “Several areas of our game stood out to me. Our offense did a really good job of being aggressive on pitches in the strike zone. As we approach conference, I’m looking forward to our guys developing and upholding the expectation that we play our best baseball every time we are on the field.”
  Junior Staff Writer, Dalen Jensen