A seven-run seventh inning gave Wayne State a 12-6 lead, but the Wildcats had to hold off a late Ohio Dominican rally to hang on for a 12-11 win Tuesday morning to close out play at the RussMatt Central Florida Baseball Invitational in Davenport, Florida.  The 'Cats go 3-2 on their spring trip and are now 5-8 on the season while the Panthers are now 6-9 overall.
            Ohio Dominican opened the score with two runs in the top of the third, but WSC countered with three runs in the bottom of the frame thanks to a three-run homer from Taylor Gill putting the 'Cats in front 3-2.
            The Wildcats produced single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take a 5-2 lead.  Gill had a sacrifice fly in the fourth to bring home Connor Hunt (single) with the first run while Gabe Monosmith had an RBI fielder's choice in the fifth inning bringing home Kaden Young (walk).
            The Panthers produced four runs in the sixth inning to gain a 6-5 advantage on the Wildcats.
            But Wayne State regained momentum in the bottom of the seventh scoring seven runs on just two hits with one Ohio Dominican error to grab a 12-6 lead.  The only hits in the inning were a run-scoring single from Hunt and a two-run single by Gill as the Wildcats took advantage of five walks from Ohio Dominican pitchers.
            Ohio Dominican didn't go away, coming right back with four runs in the eighth to make the score 12-10.
            The Panthers used a single and Wildcat error in the top of the ninth to close within one at 12-11, but WSC closer Braden Cannon got out of the inning with a pair of fielder's choices allowing the 'Cats to hang on for the win.
            Wayne State had one more hit than Ohio Dominican 10-9.  Gill went 2 for 4 with a homer and six RBI to lead the Wildcats at the plate.  Centerfielder Cam Madsen had a pair of singles, going 2 for 4 with a stolen base and two runs scored.  Senior Chase Douglas also went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.
            Starting pitcher Carson Obrecht worked four innings, allowing two runs on two hits with three walks and five strikeouts.  Redshirt freshman Brooks Kneifl, the fourth of six Wayne State pitchers, fired 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief to earn his first win as a Wildcats.  Despite allowing three hits and two runs over the final 1 1/3 innings, Cannon recorded his first save of the season. 
            The Wildcats return to NSIC play hosting Bemidji State on Thursday and Friday at the Pete Chapman Baseball Complex starting at noon each day.  The four-game series was moved up due to bad weather predicted for this weekend.