OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College baseball team opened its series versus Purdue Northwest University with a thrilling 2-1 walk-off win on Friday afternoon. Evan Oakley pitched another gem while Baron Ratliff played a part in both the Panthers' two runs.
 
Oakley struck-out 10 in eight innings and held the Pride (1-2) scoreless through the first four innings. In the fourth inning, Oakley struck out the side on nine pitches before Ratliff led-off the bottom half with a double down the left field line. He advanced to third on a pass ball. Michael Chaney walked to place runners on the corners, but he was erased on the next play as Wesleyan grounded into a double play.  Nevertheless, Ratliff crossed home to give the Panthers (7-4) a 1-0 lead. 
 
In the top of the fifth, a lead-off solo home run tied the game, but Oakley did not let in another run. In the last four innings, the Pride got a runner into scoring position twice. 
 
David Castleberry pitched a scoreless ninth before Logan Molnar started the bottom half by getting hit by a pitch. Rhett Dysholm flied out to bring Ratliff to the plate with one out. Ratliff pulled a long flyball off the Panther Park wall for a double, scoring Molnar to end the game. 
 
Ratliff finished the game two for four with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI. Oakley received a no-decision after eight innings of work. Castleberry struck out one in one inning to earn his third win of the season. 
 
The Panthers will host the Pride in a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch at Panther Park is scheduled for 11:00 AM. 
 
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