KNOXVILLE, TN- The game showcased a tight battle from the outset, with both teams delivering strong defensive performances. Milligan struck first, taking a slim 1-0 lead in the second inning after Gaven Jones's sacrifice fly brought Ryan Molinari home.
Johnson responded in the third inning, leveling the score at 1-1 when Seth Pressley's groundout allowed Isaac Lawson to cross the plate.
In the fourth inning, Milligan surged ahead, capitalizing on Vasili Kaloudis's RBI single and taking advantage of a wild pitch to extend their lead to 4-1. However, Johnson quickly countered, narrowing the gap to 4-2 as Kamaehu Sanchez's double brought Brayden Taylor home.
In a dramatic turn of events in the sixth inning, Johnson staged a remarkable comeback. Isaac Lawson's single, coupled with a throwing error, allowed Luke Vest and Brayden Taylor to score, tying the game at 4-4. Lawson then capitalized on a wild pitch, racing home to give Johnson a 5-4 lead.
Despite Milligan's efforts to mount a late comeback, Johnson's bullpen held firm, with Colby Reynolds shutting down Milligan's offense to secure the victory.
Johnson looks to carry this momentum into Montreat this Thursday, March 21.