SOMERVILLE, MA — Ryan McDonald’s 15-yard touchdown with 9:04 remaining rallied Tufts to a 12-7 win over Bates in a rainy NESCAC defensive struggle on Saturday.

Trailing 6-0, the Bobcats (0-2) took their first and only lead of the game when Sandy Plashkes connected with Brian Daly on a 30-yard touchdown pass with 11:58 left in the third quarter. It was Plashkes’ only completion of the game in 10 attempts.

Bates reached Tufts territory on two of its final three possessions after McDonald’s touchdown. But the Bobcats never got closer than the 30 yard-line and turned the ball over on downs both times.

Willie Holmquist booted field goals of 22 and 48 yards to give the Jumbos (2-0) a 6-0 lead in the first half.

Mickoy Nichol led Bates offensively with 51 yards on nine carries. Peter Boyer had 15 carries for 45 yards.

The Bobcats managed just 218 total yards and nine first downs.

Mark Upton once again led the Bobcats defensively, collecting 17 tackles (11 solo) and a sack. James Hussey had eight tackles and a sack. Trevor Lyons had an interception.

Chance Brady carried the ball 32 times for 140 yards for the Jumbos. McDonald finished with 75 yards on 11 carries.