FRANKLIN, Ind. – James Spilko produced a pair of RBI singles, including the game-winner in the ninth inning, to push Albion College to a 5-4 victory over Franklin College on opening day.
Franklin scored three times in the eighth to forge a 4-4 tie.
Joe Turnbull and Jordyn Finney drew one-out walks in Albion's half of the ninth, and Spilko followed with a single to drive in Turnbull with the go-ahead run.
Relief pitcher Riley Stesiak allowed a walk and a single in Franklin's half of the ninth, but he got Drew Naumovich to ground out to end the game.
Zach Maresh, Albion's starting pitcher, threw six innings of one-run ball. He worked around four hits and three walks. Andrew Fabry was charged with the three runs in the eighth.
Four Britons collected at least two hits. Ronnie Williams had three hits, including a double, and Shane Lindemann and Justin Dennis collected two hits apiece. Dennis hit a RBI double in the sixth and a RBI single in the eighth.
The teams return to McDowell Field at noon Saturday for a doubleheader to complete the three-game series.