Des Moines, IA – Even after a location change, Eagles baseball was still able to get their season started with an opening four game series against Clarke. In the first game of the weekend, Judson opened the 2026 season in dramatic fashion, walking off Clarke (IA) with a 7–6 victory on Friday afternoon at Fareway Fields. 

After trailing 6–2 midway through the game, the Eagles mounted a steady comeback before sealing the win in the bottom of the seventh inning. After a handful of these types of victories a season ago, JU wasted no time providing fireworks.

With runners on in the bottom of the 7th inning, Blake Stempowski delivered the game-winning RBI single, driving in the deciding run to cap Judson's comeback victory to start the season on the right foot. 

Judson chipped away at the deficit with key offensive moments, including a solo home run from Alijah Acevedo, an RBI single from Alex Wickett, and a clutch two-run single by Derek Cintron that tied the game at 6–6 in the sixth inning. 

The offense finished with 13 hits, highlighted by Kevin Flores' three-hit performance, including an RBI triple to open the scoring in the first inning. 

On the mound, Devin Schular earned the win in relief, throwing four innings and limiting Clarke's damage while giving the Eagles time to rally back. Yasiel Trinidad started on the mound for Judson in the opener and struck out five batters. 

The walk-off win marks a statement start to the season for Judson. The reigning CCAC regular season champions have high hopes of contending once again. They will play three more games against Clarke this weekend.