Blaise Wilcenski pitched seven sparkling innings, but the Blinn College baseball team fell just short in a 2-1 Region XIV South loss to Wharton County Junior College on Thursday in Wharton, Texas.

Wilcenski pitched two-hit ball, allowing one earned run with six strikeouts and one walk before handing things over to reliever CJ Gardner.

"Blaise was phenomenal tonight," Buccaneers head coach Harvey McIntyre said. "He attacked the strike zone with intent and confidence. This was a big step for him."

Gardner was the pitcher of record after allowing an earned run in the bottom of the eighth. 

Blinn opened the scoring in the top of the second with an RBI from Chase Arnaud that scored Dave Wilson. 

Wilson led Blinn with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including a double. 

Blinn is now 6-15 overall and 3-6 in South zone play. The Buccaneers continue their region series against Wharton with a home doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Nutrabolt Stadium in Bryan, Texas.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.