Point Lookout, MO - College of the Ozarks delivered a dramatic, history-making finish Friday morning at Bob Smith Field, as a two-run single by Brody Tyler in the bottom of the seventh completed a thrilling comeback and secured a milestone moment — the 300th career win for Head Coach Neale Richardson — in a 3-2 walk-off victory over Saint Xavier (Ill.).

Trailing 2-1 entering their final at-bat, the Bobcats refused to let the game — or the historic moment — slip away. With two runners aboard and the crowd on its feet, Tyler ripped a line drive into left-center, scoring both runs and instantly turning a one-run deficit into a celebration at home plate. The clutch swing erased the Cougars’ first lead of the day and sealed a milestone victory for Richardson, whose 300th career win came in classic walk-off fashion.

College of the Ozarks struck first in the fourth inning thanks to one of the game’s most dominant individual performances. Hunter Lewis launched a solo home run to right to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead. Lewis was perfect at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with a double, home run, one run scored, one RBI, and a hit-by-pitch. He  posted a 4.000 OPS and was a steady offensive force in a tightly contested, low-scoring battle.

Saint Xavier responded in the sixth inning. After putting pressure on the Bobcats’ defense, John Simecek delivered a game-tying RBI double to left, scoring Trevor Corbett with an unearned run to knot the game at 1-1. Simecek came through again in the seventh, drawing a bases-loaded walk that forced in Ben Meier to give the Cougars their first lead at 2-1 — setting the stage for the Bobcats’ dramatic final-inning heroics.

On the Mound, Bobcats starter Brody Baumann turned in a strong, efficient performance to give the Bobcats the opportunity for the win. Baumann worked six innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out one and walking four on 74 pitches. He held Saint Xavier scoreless through five innings and minimized damage late, giving the offense the chance to deliver in the biggest moment. Lake Pitcock picked up the win coming in to pitch the seventh and holding the Cougars scoreless.

Saint Xavier starter Trent Markezich was sharp despite the no-decision, throwing six innings while allowing three hits and two runs with five strikeouts on only 49 pitches. The Cougars collected four hits and drew seven walks but stranded nine runners on base. Meanwhile, the Bobcats made the most of their opportunities, scoring three runs on four hits and one walk while leaving just one runner stranded. College of the Ozarks also applied pressure on the bases with two stolen bases.

The win showcased the early-season identity of this Bobcats squad — resilient, opportunistic, and dangerous late in games. Behind Baumann’s steady start, Lewis’ power at the plate, Tyler’s game-winning swing, and a milestone moment for Coach Richardson, College of the Ozarks opened the day with a victory that was as historic as it was thrilling.