Air Force Falcons defeat Navy Midshipmen Published March 1, 2017 By Airman Miranda A. Loera 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The U.S. Air Force finished the Freedom Classic baseball series with a 2-1 win over the U.S. Navy Sunday Feb. 26 at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Although holding a 3-11 loss on Friday, the Falcons sprang in the second game looking for redemption. Trailing 8-6, the Falcons took control of the game in the sixth inning with their seventh run. Air Force had eight extra base hits that game. The Falcons solidified the win in the third game, hitting five home runs taking them to a 13-8 lead and tying up the series. "It was a big win for us today, coming back to even up the series," said Mike Kazlausky, U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons head coach. "I was proud to see our cadets face adversity and come out on top. It was great to see some young players step up and contribute." In the championship game Sunday, the Falcons triumphed with a 3-2 win in 10 innings. Late in the eighth and ninth innings, the Navy's Midshipmen had the bases loaded with potential to score, but the Falcons blocked their chance with inning-ending double plays. Capt. Blair Roberts, 4th Comptroller Squadron budget officer, played for the Falcons from 2009 until 2012. “It was crucial for the Air Force to have good defensive play when the bases were loaded twice in the game,” said Roberts. “They came up with big plays, and were able to get the victory.” The Falcons had seven hits in the game, and Ethan Nichols, Falcon reliever, finished the game with a scoreless 10th inning. “It’s great to be able to come and watch this friendly rivalry,” Roberts said. “We all respect each other, but also like to beat each other when on the field.” The Falcons head to the University of New Mexico March 3-5 for the Mountain West play against the Lobos.