MACOMB, Ill. - Senior catcher Cooper Stewart's three-run double highlighted a six-run sixth inning as the Purple team rallied for a 9-6 win in the opening game of the Western Illinois Purple & Gold World Series at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.

Trailing 4-3 entering the bottom of the sixth, Stewart's blast into the left-center gap opened up what had been a close game. Senior outfielder Kenny Price, senior first baseman Tyler Metcalf, junior second baseman Dan Johnson, and freshman outfielder Tom Lilja each had RBI hits for the Purple squad. Senior outfielder Jared Wolf scored twice and added a stolen base.

Senior left-handed pitcher Austin Brough picked up the win with three-plus innings of relief in support of junior right-handed starter Randon Lingle.

The Gold squad jumped out to an early lead on freshman catcher Joe Waropay's two-run, line-drive homer over the left field fence. Senior shortstop Lorenzo Gallaga and junior outfielder Andrew Hagins each added RBI singles while junior first baseman Daren Spicer drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Gold starter, junior righty David Hill, pitched four strong innings to put his team in a position to win.

"I thought both teams hit the ball well and made the plays defensively," said Western Illinois head coach Stan Hyman. "The Purple team scored eight of its nine runs with two outs while the Gold squad tallied four of its six runs with two down. There were many good at-bats with runners in scoring position. The coaching staff was extremely pleased from an offensive standpoint."

Game Two of the best-of-three series is slated for 3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16. Game Three, if necessary, would be played Sunday, October 19, immediately following the Western Illinois Alumni Game, scheduled for an 11 a.m. start.