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New Lothrop struggled to a 5-2 win over the host Tigers in the first game before hammering out a 13-3 victory in the nightcap. Baserunning mistakes kept the first game close, as four NL baserunners were caught stealing and three more were thrown out trying to take an extra base.

"Stealing bases is more than just having speed," commented Hornet coach Chris Good. "We did a poor job on the bases in the first game. We had a better offensive showing in the second game."

Keith Perizzola pitched the final six innings of the opener to pick up the win. Perizzola gave up just two hits and a walk while striking out eight. Adam Root and Jordan Brown each had a pair of hits for the Hornets and Austin Krupp knocked in a pair of runs with a hit.

In the nightcap, the Hornets broke open a 4-2 contest with six runs in the bottom of the fourth en route to a five-inning mercy triumph. Krupp was the winning pitcher, going five innings while giving up five hits and three bases on balls. Root and Jake Bishop each collected three hits and Trevor Vincke went two-for-two with three runs scored and an RBI.

The wins were critical for the Hornets as they put NL in a deadlock for first place with Byron in the GAC-Blue race. The Eagles will return to New Lothrop to complete the second game of a doubleheader that will determine the outright championship. New Lothrop has the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning with an 11-10 lead when play resumes.