PULASKI, Tenn. – After dropping its opening game Thursday afternoon, Martin Methodist battled back to earn a spot in Thursday's TranSouth/Gulf Coast Group Tournament title game with a 5-2 win over Talladega (Ala.) College Thursday night at the East Campus.

The RedHawks (36-17) dropped their opener against Bethel (Tenn.) University, 19-6, but rallied back in the nightcap, hanging on for the three-run over a scrappy Tornado bunch.

Clay Brown (7-3) was the star of the show in the victory, tossing a complete game, while scattering seven hits and allowing just two runs.

The win was even more impressive for Brown, who became the third RedHawk pitcher to tally seven wins this season, considering his opposition as Tornado starter Ryan Drummonds struck out 19 batters in a complete game of his own.

Much like Wednesday night, Erick Bonifacio provided a pair of clutch insurance runs, but it was a pair of RBIs from Zach Bailey that helped lead the RedHawks to the three-run victory.

In all, the RedHawks cranked out nine hits to overcome four errors in a shaky defensive performance to claim the victory and berth in Friday's title game.

With the win, the RedHawks earned a rematch against Bethel, which finished its first three games a perfect 3-0. The RedHawks will need a pair of victories over the Wildcats to secure the automatic berth into the NAIA National Tournament.

First pitch in Friday's championship game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. but has been moved up to a Noon start.