FLORENCE, Ala. (Interstat) — A stunning reversal of fortune unfolded at Braly Municipal Stadium on Wednesday evening, as the North Alabama Lions roared back from an early five-run deficit to crush the Murray State Racers 15-5.

The game, played on Feb. 18, 2026, was projected to be a comfortable road victory for Murray State. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 6-2 Racers win, and its ELO system gave Murray State a 79.2% probability of victory. Those projections appeared prescient through the top of the first inning, as the Racers batted around without recording a hit.

Murray State’s entire offensive output for the game was compressed into that bizarre opening frame. The Racers drew six walks and had a batter hit by a pitch, plating five runs. Parker Airhart, Kris Hokenson, Anthony Perritano and Colby Ott each drove in a run via a walk or fielder’s choice. North Alabama starter Boynar failed to record an out before being relieved by Touhey.

The Lions’ response, however, was swift and powerful, transforming a potential blowout into one. The most important part of the game was North Alabama’s immediate and sustained offensive eruption, which began in the second inning and rendered Murray State’s early advantage meaningless.

Kyle Millard ignited the comeback with a solo home run to deep left field. After a walk, Gehrig Jenkins followed with a two-run blast to the same area, cutting the deficit to 5-3 and chasing Murray State starter Roettgen.

North Alabama continued to chip away in the third, scoring once on a hit-by-pitch, before unleashing a decisive barrage in the fourth. Trailing 6-4, the Lions sent nine men to the plate. Jackson Walker delivered a two-run single to give North Alabama its first lead at 6-5. Levi Rippen immediately followed with a two-run homer. After a pitching change, Millard capped the five-run inning with his second solo shot of the afternoon, making it 9-5.

The Lions put the game completely out of reach with a four-run fifth inning, capitalizing on two walks, a hit batter, and RBI singles from Andrew Coleman and Walker. They added single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to cement the final margin.

North Alabama’s 11-hit attack was led by Millard, who finished with two homers and three RBIs. Walker had two hits, including a double, and three RBIs. Rippen homered, walked twice, and drove in three. The Lions improved to 3-2.

Murray State, which managed only three hits all evening, saw its record level at 2-2. Luke Mistone had two of those hits and an RBI. The Racers’ early patience at the plate gave way to futility, as they struck out 11 times after the first inning and never seriously threatened following the Lions’ fourth-inning outburst.

Murray State will open a four-game home series against Butler on Friday. North Alabama begins a three-game home set against Saint Louis on Friday.