WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Sailfish clinched a thrilling 1-0 victory over Bentley on Sunday at J.M. 'Jake' Rubin Park, thanks to a fourth-inning solo blast that proved to be the game-changer.

In this nail-biter, PBA and Bentley locked horns in a classic pitcher's duel, with both teams displaying stellar defense through three scoreless innings. It was Ian Pennington who electrified the crowd, launching a solo home run to deep right in the fourth, giving the 'Fish the edge they needed. The Falcons, despite their efforts, couldn't convert their opportunities, stranding nine on base as they chased the elusive run.

PBA's pitching was the backbone of this victory. Elijah Budiac set the tone early, pitching 4.1 scoreless frames with a season-high four strikeouts, allowing just three hits. A.J. Prendergast stepped in during the fifth, delivering three hitless innings and fanning two. Chip Hoornstra then took the reins in the eighth, striking out a season-high four over 1.2 innings to seal the shutout and secure the win for PBA.

The Falcons almost got on the board in the fifth inning. Budiac started the frame with a flyout, but surrendered a double and a walk. Prendergast ended the game and preserved the shutout by forcing a flyout and earning a strikeout.

Bentley pushed to mount a comeback, mustering a two-out walk in the ninth. After a mound visit from coach Kent Bottenfield, Hoornstra got the punch-out, ensuring the 1-0 triumph stood tall. 

Both teams finished the game with three hits each. Patrick Rakes and Finley Holmes each tallied a hit in the game. Louis Paolillo and Michael Schettino each reached base via a walk in the contest.

The Sailfish host Florida Tech in a non-conference midweek game on Wednesday. First pitch at J.M. "Jake" Rubin Park is set for 6 p.m.