Senior starter Mike Morgalis gave up six earned runs in the first two innings, but settled down as Harvard came back. Sophomore Jason Brown pitched three solid innings of relief. Junior Lance Salsgiver (1-0), who entered in the eighth inning, blew the save but earned the win.

HARVARD 9, DARTMOUTH 8

Senior Rob Wheeler was the hero of Game1 as Harvard overcame two separate three-run deficits to win.

Junior Frank Herrmann—who entered the day as the Ivy League’s second-best pitcher in ERA—and Dartmouth ace Josh Faiola were both roughed up early.

Walsh remained incredulous that “Faiola against Herrmann was going to be that high-[scoring].”

“That was the way it was going today,” Walsh said.

Wheeler picked up his embattled ace. With five RBI, the senior known as “Doggie” by his teammates kept the Crimson within reach.

In the third inning, Wheeler turned on a high heater from Faiola, who last summer earned Cape Cod League co-MVP honors.

The ball sailed long and high over the left-field fence for a game-tying three-run homer.

“I guess [Faiola] thought he could get it in on me,” Wheeler said. “A lot of guys sometimes do, but I was ready that time. It felt awesome.”

Walsh wasn’t surprised.

“If you’re here early and see [batting practice], he puts on a show,” Walsh said. “The guy swings it.”

With Dartmouth leading 7-3 in the sixth, Harvard scored six runs in the bottom of the inning—highlighted by Farkes’ leadoff line-shot home run to left—to take the lead it wouldn’t give up.

Sophomore Jason Brown (2-1) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Wilson struck out three in the game’s final two innings to earn the save.

—Staff writer Alex McPhillips can be reached at rmcphill@fas.harvard.edu.