KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - The Helias Crusaders won a pair of baseball games Friday in the Kirksville Tournament before Saturday's action in the event was wiped out by rain.
Helias started the event with a 7-6 win against the host school, as Ryan Bounds drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.
With one out in the ninth, Dylan Gaines was hit by a pitch and Chase Bexten reached on an error, putting runners at second and third. Bounds then reached on a bunt single that plated Gaines with the run.
Zach Stiles went 3-for-5 for the winners, while Alex Faddoul had two hits.
Kale Gerstner got the win in relief of Cole Donaldson. Gerstner pitched the final four innings, giving up one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out three. Donaldson worked the first five, allowing five runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts.
Helias then beat Battle 9-4 to close out Friday's action.
Alex Barton had a two-run homer for the Crusaders, while Gaines and Bexten had two hits and two RBI each. Stiles had two hits.
Todd Buschjost pitched the first five innings to get the win. He gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out six. Clayton Winter finished with two scoreless innings.
Helias (8-6) will return to action at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the American Legion Post 5 Sports Complex against Blair Oaks.