A nightmare seventh inning and seven total errors spoiled a dominant pitching performance as Mt. Pulaski fell to the Nokomis Redskins 8-2 in their season opener on Thursday in high school boys baseball action in Mt. Pulaski.

The Hilltoppers appeared to have the game under control heading into the final frame. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Chase Roberts ignited the rally with a line-drive double to center. After Preston Cowan reached on a hard-hit single to left, Roberts moved to third, setting the stage for Jaeden Jackson. Jackson delivered the biggest hit of the young season, a ground ball single to right that chased home both Roberts and Cowan, giving Mt. Pulaski a 2-1 lead.

However, the lead proved short-lived. In the top of the seventh, the Hilltopper defense faltered, committing a string of errors that opened the floodgates for a seven-run Nokomis explosion - leading to a Redskins six-run lead.

Chase Roberts led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Jaeden Jackson finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, and Preston Cowan contributed a 1-for-2 performance with a walk and a run scored.

On the mound, Jaeden Jackson was spectacular in his season debut. Jackson went five strong innings, allowing just one unearned run on two hits while striking out seven. Aaron Volle was tagged with the loss in relief, and Preston Cowan pitched the final inning.

Mt. Pulaski (0-1) will look to bounce back and clean up the defense as they hit the road on Monday to take on St. Joseph-Ogden.