Prado's walk-off hit propels Amarillo College to historic win over No. 1 Blinn

Amarillo College's 12-9 lead dissolved in the top of the ninth inning on Friday night at Hodgetown against the defending national champion, Blinn College.

Returning all-conference outfielder Gerado Prado responded with his first walk-off hit of his collegiate career.

The Badgers were in prime position to garner their first win over a No. 1 ranked team in program history, leading 12-7 following a six-run fourth inning.

With the score tied at 12-12 heading in the top of the ninth frame, sophomore shortstop Payton Bush hauled in a hard-hit ground ball with one out and tapped second base before hurling a double play opportunity to first baseman Aidan Young. The third-year Badger hauled in the throw with a full stretch of his 6-foot-1 frame to secure a double play, getting AC out of a bases-loaded jam.

Prado then walked to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs. On the first pitch of the at-bat, the University of Oklahoma baseball signee hit a line drive to left field to drive in the game-winning run and secure a historic 13-12 victory.

The outcome proved to be a complete team effort at the plate as five AC batters recorded a double digit hit total. Zyon Hamilton, Jacob Sullens, Dylan Steele, and Brandon Dickinson each hit a homer while combining for eight of the team's 13 RBIs.

Brooks Carter added two doubles in a 17-hit performance by the Badgers.

Prado and Bush tied for a team-high with three hits apiece.

On the mound, freshman lefty Mason Runnels earned his first career win. The Cleburne, Texas native was placed in the game with the score tied at 12-12. Runnels walked the first batter he faced before Bush and Young's inning-ending double play.

Sophomore Bret Deegan pitched two innings in his second start of the season. He finished with one strikeout, two walks, and four earned runs.

Ja'Davion Lacy and Jamarcus Smith provided middle relief duties and combined for seven strikeouts and four walks. Lacy had a season-high five strikeouts, along with three walks and five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Smith had two strikeouts, one walk, and three earned runs in three innings.

The top-ranked Bucs defeated Amarillo College 9-5 in game one on Friday and 10-7 in the series finale on Saturday to earn a 2-1 series victory.

AC's record dropped to 2-5 overall following the 1-2 outcome against Blinn. The Bucs record improved to 6-3.