The Dallas Titans battled back from an early three-run deficit to earn a 9-4 victory over the Barons on Sunday at Cravens Park, using a balanced offensive attack and a complete-game effort from Stephen Patterson.
The Barons struck first in the opening inning when Samuel Fabian launched a two-run home run to center field before Scott Hill added an RBI single to give the home team a quick 3-0 advantage.
Dallas responded in the third inning, taking advantage of a Barons error to even the score at 3-3. The Titans grabbed their first lead an inning later when another Barons miscue allowed the go-ahead run to score, making it 4-3. After the Barons answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game once again, Dallas seized control for good in the fifth.
Bernie Garces delivered the go-ahead RBI single before Eric Bruner drew a bases-loaded walk and another run scored on a passed ball, giving the Titans the cushion they needed. Dallas continued to add insurance runs the rest of the way to secure the 9-4 victory.
Stephen Patterson earned the win with a gritty complete-game performance, allowing four runs (three earned) on 10 hits while striking out five and walking two over seven innings.
The Titans collected 14 hits, led by Steven Baker's 3-for-4 performance. Garces, Bruner, Greg Kolesar, Korey Gillespie, and Will Nary each drove in a run, while Bruner reached base three times after drawing two walks. Dallas also showed patience at the plate with six walks, and Aaron Standley added two stolen bases to keep pressure on the Barons' defense.
The Barons finished with 10 hits, led by Samuel Fabian's 3-for-3 day with a home run and two RBIs, but were unable to recover after the Titans took the lead for good in the fifth inning. Dallas closed out the game with solid defense and timely offense to complete the comeback victory.