April 11, 2025

Waxahachie, TX — The Nelson University Lions showed both grit and growth Friday in a conference doubleheader against Mid-America Christian University at the Lions Athletic Complex, splitting the day with a tough 5–3 loss in Game 1 before erupting late for a dramatic 8–7 walk-off victory in Game 2.

Game 1: Pinter Powers, but MACU Holds Off Rally
Despite a resilient push from the Lions, Game 1 slipped away in a 5–3 defeat.

After falling behind early, Nelson clawed back in the third inning when Josh Pinter launched a two-run homer to tie the score 3–3. Pinter's blast followed a leadoff double by Wesley Flatt, who was one of three Lions with multiple hits in the game.

MACU answered right back with a go-ahead home run in the fourth and kept Nelson off the board over the final four innings. Zeke Holder contributed a sacrifice fly, and Dominick Padilla added two hits, including a key single late. On the mound, Ryan Avalos took the loss, while Dylan Zajicek tossed two scoreless frames to keep the Lions close.

Game 2: Thompson Takes Over in Instant Classic
The Lions roared back in Game 2 behind a heroic performance from Xavien Thompson, who drove in five runs and delivered a clutch go-ahead homer in the bottom of the sixth.

Trailing 5–1 after five innings, Nelson refused to fold. A two-run sixth cut the deficit to two, and in the seventh, Thompson cleared the bases with a booming three-run double to tie the game 6–6. Moments later, CJ Ricondo stepped up with a go-ahead RBI single, flipping the script and electrifying the home crowd.

MACU responded with a run in the eighth to tie it at 7–7, but the Lions had the final say. With one out in the ninth, Dominick Padilla stepped in and blasted a solo shot, sending the dugout into celebration and locking up the walk-off win.

Dylan Zajicek closed the door with two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win, his first of the year.

Next Up?
The series finale is set for Saturday, April 12 at Noon back at the Lions Athletic Complex. Nelson (23–19, 11–12 SAC) looks to ride the momentum and claim the series win in front of their home crowd.

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Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.