After missing two games because of medical issues, senior catcher Blake Keelen made his presence known in a big way Friday night — with a game-changing two-run double against McKinney North, sealing a key win for the first-place Leopards.

Heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Leopards had managed only one hit against Bulldog pitching, but trailed just 1-0 thanks to the pitching performance by junior right-hander Brandon Province.

After two quick two outs, sophomore left-fielder Jacob Parrott singled to right to start what would prove to be the defining rally.

A wild pitch sent Parrott to second, then senior Alex Hamilton drew a walk.

Two on, two out. Next up: junior Chase Tucker.

Tucker hit a hard ground ball to short that should have ended the inning, but on the attempted force out at second, the Bulldog second baseman missed the toss.

And from there, it was all Keelen.

After getting behind quickly 0-2, the Leopard hitter turned on a fastball, sending it hard down the third-base line — and into the left-field corner, scoring Parrott and Hamilton. McKinney North’s head coach argued that the ball was foul, but the home plate umpire, who had the clearest view, was certain.

Final: Leopards 2, Bulldogs 1.

The Leopards defend their first place position Tuesday in Denison, then return home this Friday to battle the Sherman Bobcats, on Teacher Appreciation night.