Blue Mountain, Miss.- Blue Mountain Christian faced a strong test on Friday, taking on one of the NAIA's top programs in a competitive doubleheader against Georgia Gwinnett. 
While the Toppers came up short in both games, the day was highlighted by resilience, timely offense, and standout individual performances that kept both contests competitive.
In the opener, Georgia Gwinnett built momentum early, scoring in multiple innings to establish separation. 
Blue Mountain Christian continued to answer offensively, finishing the game with nine hits and consistent pressure on the base paths. 
Jake Meilstrup set the tone at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and a run scored. 
Ross Polizzi drove in the Toppers' first run with an RBI single in the sixth inning, while Trace Roy crossed the plate in the seventh to close out the scoring for BMC. 
On the mound, Benji Webb worked four innings and recorded three strikeouts, with Caden Moore adding a scoreless inning in relief to keep the game within reach late.
The nightcap saw Blue Mountain Christian deliver one of its most productive offensive performances of the season. 
The Toppers traded runs with Georgia Gwinnett and remained within striking distance throughout, answering multiple scoring surges from the Eagles. 
Jake Meilstrup turned in a standout performance, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and five RBIs, accounting for the majority of BMC's run production. 
Cody Presley added two hits and a run scored, while Reise Thomas, Ethan Hirons, and Yaidel Perez each drove in runs to support the offensive effort. 
The Toppers totaled 10 hits in the contest and scored in four different innings, including a late push that kept the pressure on until the final outs.
On the mound in game two, Chip Harris, Judson Griffin, and Jesse Hancock combined to cover the innings, with Hancock providing steady work late to slow Georgia Gwinnett's offense. Defensively, the Toppers continued to battle throughout the day, limiting extended rallies and competing until the final out.
Friday's doubleheader served as a valuable early-season test for Blue Mountain Christian, as the Toppers measured themselves against elite competition while continuing to build momentum and experience moving forward.
 
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