Courtesy of Air Force Athletics

STARKVILLE- Trailing 2-1 in the top of the 9th, Chris Stallings’ two-run single through the right side of the infield propelled the Falcons in front, while Doyle Gehring locked down the bottom half of the frame to secure Air Force a stunning 3-2 win over Mississippi State.

Sam Kulasingam extended his on-base streak to 57 games, and his hitting streak to 24 games on Saturday, as the C1C provided a line-drive single to left field in the 6th.

Walker Zapp slugged his first-career home run in the 3rd, a solo shot that just scraped over the left field wall through the biting cold to give Air Force an initial 1-0 lead. Zapp has began the new season 3-7 (.429) from the plate.

Aerik Joe also extended his on-base streak 36 games following a 2nd-inning single.

Jack Bello made his first-career start on Saturday, as the sophomore allowed just one unearned run over his 2.1 IP. Bello surrendered just two hits with four walks and a strikeout.

In need of quality relief, Jimmy Hebenstreit crafted a career-day at Dudy Noble Field, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings, as six of his 11 outs came via the groundball. His 3.2 innings stands as a career-high.

Following Zapp’s solo home run, Mississippi State managed to tie the ballgame in the 3rd before a sacrifice fly in the bottom half of the 8th sent the hosts in front 2-1. Even so, the Falcons refused to roll over.

To start the 9th, Chase Spencer and Jay Thomason drew consecutive walks, as Air Force put two on with nobody out. After a Jake Greiving infield popup, Aerik Joe was set down on strikes, though a wild pitch on strike three saw Spencer and Thomason both move into scoring position.

Chris Stallings, who was 0-3 prior to his final at-bat, stepped up to the plate with the opportunity to deliver. The senior saw the count run to 1-2 before lining a fastball between first and second base to score both Spencer and Thomason, as the Falcons suddenly claimed a 3-2 lead.

Doyle Gehring, who entered in the 7th, allowed the go-ahead run in the 8th following a leadoff double. However, Gehring notched two strikeouts to begin the 9th before inducing the accomplished Dakota Jordan into a groundout to end the ballgame.

With the win, Air Force moves to 2-3 all-time against the Mississippi State.

The Falcons will look to secure a series win on Sunday, as the rubber game is scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm MT.