Pitcher Cade Swensen and John Kampes prepare to open the Jamestown Tarp Skunks Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League season in Newark on Friday. Submitted photo

NEWARK — The Jamestown Tarp Skunks’ first game in franchise history was a memorable one.

Mark Tucker’s two-run single in the top of the ninth inning capped a four-run rally to send the Tarp Skunks to a 6-4 come-from-behind victory over Newark in a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League game Friday night at Colburn Park.

“It’s always good to get the first one of the season,” Jamestown manager Jordan Basile said. “We had to battle and grind it out. Getting the first one, especially on the road, feels good.”

His bullpen had a lot to do with it.

Trailing 4-0 after the first inning — Cade Swenson (New Mexico State) surrendered four runs, gave up three hits and walked two — the Tarp Skunks, courtesy of relievers Charlie Nichols (Nova Southeastern), Warren, Pennsylvania’s Ryan Rafalski (Mercyhurst), Justin Guiliano (Canisius) and Matt Henson (George Mason), didn’t allow another run the rest of the way.

“It was awesome. The guys came in and threw strikes. Two lefties, two righties and a submarine closer,” Basile said. “(Newark) got a lot of different looks. For a first game, there were a lot of pressure situations and guys stepped up.”

Guiliano, in fact, wiggled his way out of a ticklish jam in the bottom of the eighth. With runners on first and second with one out, he registered a groundball out and a strikeout to end the threat.

“He closed the door,” Basile said of Guiliano, formerly of Patrick Henry Community College.

That allowed Jamestown to get back in the game. It started with a two-run fifth inning and ended with the drama in the ninth. Highlighting the decisive rally were a two-run double by Johnny Kampes (Wagner) with one out, followed by the game winner by Tucker (North Georgia).

The Tarp Skunks’ victory overshadowed a fine effort by Lakewood native Mitch Pascarella, who drew the starting assignment for the Pilots. The Southwestern Central School graduate worked four innings, gave up just one hit, struck out five and walked two.

“Mitch pitched a great game,” Basile said. “He made us look pretty foolish at the plate. It was nice to see a local guy have success in his first start.”

The Tarp Skunks return to action tonight at Batavia. Conner McBride (Palomar CC) will get the start.