OXFORD, Ala. – In a back-and-forth, extra-inning battle, the University of West Alabama baseball team emerged victorious in its GSC Championship Tournament opener, defeating Mississippi College 6-5 in 11 innings Friday night at Choccolocco Park. With the win, UWA (28-22) moves on to the winner's bracket.

Jake Goolsby was clutch at the plate for the Tigers, delivering a game-tying two-run home run in the top of the ninth and finishing with three RBIs on a 2-for-5 night. Nick Wilson scored twice and went 2-for-3, including the eventual winning hit in the 11th, when Eli Burwash went home off a single RBI single to left by Wilson.

The Tigers fell behind late after Mississippi College (31-20) pushed across runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, taking a 1-3 lead into the final frame. UWA answered with a three-run rally in the top of the ninth, sparked by Goolsby's blast and a go-ahead RBI single from Colson Thompson. The Choctaws responded in the bottom half to force extra innings and tied it again in the 10th on a wild pitch.

In the 11th, Eli Burwash reached on a single and later scored the go-ahead run on Wilson's single. Baker Green sealed the victory with a clean 11th inning, earning his first save of the season. Laney Keeton (2-0) picked up the win in relief after battling through a wild 10th inning.

UWA used six pitchers in the marathon game, with starter Maxwell Schumacher tossing 6.1 solid innings, allowing just one run. The bullpen held on through tense late-inning situations, scattering 10 walks and 11 hits while striking out seven.

West Alabama returns to action in the winner's bracket on Sunday, May 4. Game time is to be determined.