MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Thomas University baseball team scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth to earn the walk off win over Bryan College Tuesday at Mainieri Field in the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round. 

Bryan led 9-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, and Thomas plated three in the sixth, two in the eighth and six in the ninth to earn the 11-10 victory. 

The Sun Conference Tournament champions are now 29-24 on the season, and eliminated Bryan College (36-17) from the NAIA Tournament.

 In the sixth, Jake Bryan launched a three-run homer to left center to get the rally started for Thomas. 

TU pitcher Hassan Westbrook faced just four batters in the top of the eighth after walking the leadoff batter. 

In the bottom of the eighth, Tyler Keaton hit a leadoff double to right center, then with one out, Chase Hinson drove in Keaton with a single to right field, and Hinson advanced to third after a fielding error by Bryan. Luis Martinez then grounded out to third, but Hinson scored on the play, to shrink the BC lead, 10-5. 

Westbrook forced Bryan into an infield pop up, an infield ground out and fly out to center field in the top of the ninth.

The Night Hawks scored six runs from seven hits in the ninth to take home the victory. Levi O'Steen drew a leadoff walk, then Landon Boyette singled to center and Maury Gonzalez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Following a Bryan pitching change, Jake Webb drove in a pair of runs with a single up the middle. Keaton then singled to left center to clear the bases, drawing the score within one, 10-9. Randy Heller pinch ran for Keaton, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Keefer Beaty put down a bunt for a base hit, pushing Heller on to third. After Hinson was called out on an infield pop up, Luis Martinez hit an infield single, which tied the game. With one out, Bryan connected on an infield base hit, once again loading the bases. O'Steen, batting for the second time in the inning, stepped to the plate and singled up the middle, plating the game-winning run for Thomas. 

Jorge Meran started the game for Thomas, striking out six, but allowing eight runs – seven earned – from seven hits and three walks in 5.2 innings on the mound. Clayton Faircloth came in for 0.2 innings of relief, giving up two runs from two hits. Westbrook (2-3) earned the win, tossing the final 2.2 innings, striking out one and not allowing a hit or a run. 

Thomas returns to the field tonight to face Talladega, a rematch of yesterday's game, at 6 p.m.