McKENZIE, Tenn. - Top-ranked Faulkner (36-8, 12-4 SSAC) went yard early and often claiming a 7-1 lead by the third inning here in today's Southern States Athletic Conference series opener against Bethel (22-17, 8-8 SSAC), but a five-inning scoring drought that ensued allowed the home team time to inch back into contention and ultimately the 10-9 win in 13 innings.

Austin Paschke hammered a three-run homer to center field in the top of the second inning giving the Eagles a 3-1 advantage before T.J. Condon and Olivier Basabe each added a two-run shot to the homer run tally in the third offering the visitors added cushion.

The Wildcats tacked on a run in the bottom of the third frame, but its as their explosive five-run fifth that really did damage.

Bethel then added a single run in the fifth an eighth innings, forcing Faulkner's hand in the do-or-die ninth.

The Eagles made good on an error and walk giving Tra'mayne Holmes a pair of runners to knock in on his one-out double.

The stalemate held into the 13th inning where Colby Poston hit a walk-off homer for the Wildcats.

Ivan Pelaez gave up seven earned runs on 10 hits while striking out two batters over the first four innings of play.

Kolby Green (3-3) suffered the loss allowing the final run on two hits spanning four outs.

Basabe and Paolo Montezuma were both 2-for-5 in the game and Basabe added two RBIs and runs.

The Eagles and Wildcats complete the three-game series with a doubleheader slated for 1 p.m. tomorrow.