BROWNWOOD, TX -- The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets rallied to score one in the ninth inning and walked it off on a single off the bat of William Burford to pick up the 5-4 win over the Dallas Crusaders Friday at Don Shepard Park.

Bryson Adare (1-0) got the win out of the bullpen for Howard Payne (2-1). The right-hander pitched 2.1 shutout innings, giving up one hit. Gary Blair started the ballgame and went six innings, surrendering four runs, one earned, on six hits, walking none and striking out three.

Burford led the way offensively for the Yellow Jackets, going 3-for-5 in the ballgame with an RBI. Derek Gifford put together a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Tanner Benson also helped out, going 2-for-4 for Howard Payne with a walk.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Yellow Jackets got on the scoreboard first, starting in the sixth inning. Howard Payne's offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a one-run flyout off the bat of Seth Bowman.

Dallas then rallied to tie the ballgame at 4-4 before Howard Payne walked it off in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single off the bat of Burford.

GAME NOTES
» Burford had three hits in the game for Howard Payne.
» Howard Payne's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Yellow Jackets out-hit the Crusaders at a 10-9 clip.
» Howard Payne went 4-for-12 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Howard Payne pitchers faced 38 Dallas hitters in the game, allowing 17 ground balls and six fly balls while striking out three.
» The Yellow Jackets drew five walks from Dallas pitching.
» Burford led the Yellow Jackets at the plate, going 3-for-5 with an RBI.
» Dallas was led offensively by J. Amoroso, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI.
» D. Krause led the Crusaders pitching staff, throwing 5.1 innings of two-run ball.

The Yellow Jackets will take on Dallas tomorrow at home in a double-header with games set for 12:00 and 3:00 PM at Don Shepard Park.