WILTON, Iowa - Back and forth, back and forth.

Just the way great games should be, especially between a couple of talented rivals.

And this time, though the stakes weren't as high as the previous meeting, Wilton survived its thrilling see-saw battle with Davenport Assumption.

The Beavers overcame three deficits to beat the Knights 8-7 in a non-conference matchup Tuesday.

"It's kind of an emotional battle," said shortstop Drew Freie, who had three hits and three RBIs. "Our players, we never think we're down (and) never think, we're going to lose."

The last time Assumption and Wilton tangled, the Knights pulled out a 4-3 victory in 11 innings in 2008. It didn't take long on a cool evening for fans to learn another good game was unfolding.

Wilton (18-6), the tenth-ranked team in Class 2A, fought back all evening long; from 1-0, 5-2, and finally 6-5 in the sixth.

After Alec Crawford's RBI single tied the game, Assumption (21-8) drew the infield in, but third baseman Jay Golden couldn't handle Todd Denkman's hot grounder - the Knights' fourth error of the game - allowing Freie to plate the go-ahead run.

Crawford scored on a fielder's choice, an insurance run Wilton needed. The Knights, 3A's fifth-ranked squad, came back with some fight of their own in the seventh, scoring once and bringing the tying run into scoring position.

But when Spencer Mallonee lined out to left for the final out, the Beavers sure celebrated like this was more than just a meaningless detour into non-conference play, very much recalling the tough loss last year.

"This one had been put on our calendar," Freie said. "It was a tough game last year, one of the best games I've ever played in my life. Every time we play them, it's going to be a good game."

Freie chased Knights starter Tommy Argo with one out in the fourth, knocking a three-run double to right and tying the game at 5.

"He's been big all season, and had two big hits for us today," Wilton coach Jake Souhrada said. "That bases-clearing double gave us momentum there going into the sixth."

Assumption's Andrew Dobek had four RBIs, including a solo shot, a two-run triple, and the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the sixth.

But Wilton pitcher Kyle Paulsen, who pitched on Saturday but wanted to have a shot at the Knights, gutted out seven innings for the complete-game victory.

"We've had a history of really good games with Wilton," Assumption coach Billy Argo said. "Even though we're at 3A, it's still a pretty healthy rivalry here in the area."

"It was just another good baseball game."