MEADVILLE, Pa. – Warren jumped out to a big lead early, lost it, and built it right back again in a 13-6 win at Meadville Thursday.

The Dragons built a 6-1 lead through the first 2 1/2 innings, but the Bulldogs came back to tie it at 6-6 after four. Warren plated three each in the fifth and sixth and one more in the seventh to put the game away. The Dragons built the early lead against Bulldogs starter Zach Wilson, who held Warren to just three runs over five innings last Saturday.

“We jumped out early and scored some runs against the same pitcher from Saturday,” Warren coach Rick Eaton said. “They tied us up and we came back and scored some more. We’re getting to the point where we need to be.”

Warren scored four runs in the first inning and one each in the second and third. Meadville answered with a run in the first, then got the offense going with a 3-run third and 2-run fourth to tie the game.

The Dragons broke out the bats again in the final three innings to put the game away.

Stellar Saturday in Meadville’s win, Wilson lasted just 2 1/3 innings Thursday. He surrendered six runs, five earned, on nine hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

“Last week was tough with three losses,” Eaton said. “This week we come right out and score 12 or 13 runs. This lineup is scoring runs from top to bottom. Hopefully that benefits us in the long run come playoff time.”

Ben Berdine went four innings. He gave up six runs, five earned, on 10 hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Hunter Loomis pitched the final three innings in relief. He didn’t allow a run, surrendered just two hits, walked one and struck out a pair.

“Loomis was strong in relief,” Eaton said. “He threw well.”

Mitch Grosch and Aidan Morrison each had three hits. Grosch had three RBI and scored twice, Morrison drove in a pair. Micah Passmore and Rafalski each had two RBI and Passmore, Lance Baldensperger and Ryan Arnold each had two hits.

Since Oil City opted out of the playoffs, Warren draws a bye into the semifinals. The Dragons await the winner of Tuesday’s game between Corry and Slippery Rock. In the meantime, they’ll head to Olean (NY) Monday for a final tune-up.

“Playing good teams is only going to benefit us in the long run,” Eaton said.

Monday’s game is a varsity only contest set to start at 4:30 p.m.