TOPEKA, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team dropped a narrow 10-9 decision to Washburn University in a high-scoring affair at Steve Anson Stadium on Saturday.
 
The loss brings Northwest to 18-8 overall and 8-4 in MIAA play, while Washburn improves to 10-16 and 7-7 in the conference. The victory by the Ichabods evens the weekend series at 1-1. 
 
Northwest Missouri took an early lead in the first inning. Gall reached first on an error and advanced to third on Jeremiah Cabuyaban's double. Connors then doubled to center field, driving in Gall and Cabuyaban. The inning concluded with a 2-0 lead for the Bearcats.
 
In the third inning, the Bearcats extended their lead with a four-run surge. Cabuyaban was hit by a pitch and later scored on Parker Griffith's three-run homer to left field. Jordi Ventura followed with a solo home run to right center. By the end of the inning, Northwest Missouri led 6-1.
 
The fourth inning saw Cabuyaban add to the lead with a solo home run to left field. However, the Ichabods responded with one run, bringing the score to 7-2 in favor of the Bearcats.
 
The Ichabods made a significant comeback in the sixth inning. After loading the bases, they scored four runs on a combination of hits and a sacrifice fly, narrowing the Bearcats' lead to 7-6.
 
Washburn took the lead in the seventh inning, scoring two runs on consecutive hits. This effort pushed the score in favor of the Ichabods, 8-7.
 
In the eighth inning, Northwest Missouri fought back with two runs. Wilmer Jimenez delivered a key two-RBI single, scoring Gall and Cabuyaban. The Ichabods, however, countered with two runs of their own, maintaining a 10-9 advantage.
 
The ninth inning saw the Bearcats unable to capitalize on their opportunities, sealing Washburn's 10-9 victory.
 
Logan Brasel took the mound for the Bearcats, pitching 3 2/3 innings with 71 pitches, allowing two runs on three hits and five walks, while striking out one. Jase Johnson relieved, contributing 1 1/3 innings, surrendering four earned runs on two hits and two hit batters. Micah Diamond followed with 1 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits, including three doubles. Landon Wells pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks, while striking out two. Diego De Santiago closed the game with 1/3 inning, allowing one hit and one double in his brief appearance.
 
Cabuyaban led the way with three hits, including a home run, and scored four runs. Griffith added two hits, drove in three runs, and also hit a home run. Gall contributed with two runs scored and reached base on a hit and a hit by pitch. Connors recorded two hits and two RBIs, including a double.
 
Next Up:
The Bearcats and Ichabods will wrap up their three-game set on Sunday, Mar. 22. Action from Steve Anson Stadium is slated to begin at 2 p.m. in Topeka, Kan.