TOPEKA, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat baseball team overcame a nine-run deficit with a significant 10-run outburst in the fifth inning to clinch the road series victory over Washburn University.
Northwest improved their record 19-8 and 9-4 in the MIAA while Washburn drops their record to 10-17 and 7-8 in the conference. This victory secured the series win for the Bearcats, who took the series 2-1 after winning the first game and dropping the second.
The 20 runs scored represents a new single-game season high for the Bearcats. This game also marked the highest scoring victory over Washburn in the history of their matchups, surpassing their previous record of an 18-0 win on April 13th, 2008.
Frank Gall opened the game for Northwest Missouri State with a double to left field.
Jeremiah Cabuyaban was hit by a pitch, and Gall advanced to third on a passed ball. Despite loading the bases, the team managed only one run, with Gall scoring on a sacrifice fly by
Wilmer Jimenez. The Ichabods responded with two unearned runs, ending the first inning ahead 2-1.
Washburn University extended its lead in the second inning, scoring four runs. Ian Luce's two-RBI single and Levi Risenhoover's two-RBI double highlighted the inning, bringing the score to 6-1.
Washburn's offense continued in the third inning, adding four more runs. A series of hits, including a triple by Trenton Barry, pushed the host's lead to 10-1.
In the fourth inning,
Austin Marsh brought Northwest Missouri State back into the game with a three-run homer, reducing the deficit to 10-4.
The fifth inning saw a dramatic shift as Northwest Missouri State exploded for ten runs.
Parker Griffith's three-run homer and Cabuyaban's three-run homer were pivotal, giving them a 14-10 lead. The Ichabods managed two runs in the bottom half, making it 14-12. Notably, the Bearcats recorded a season-high of 20 runs in this game, also totaling 16 hits, surpassing their season average of 9.73.
Northwest Missouri State added three more runs in the sixth, capitalizing on a throwing error and a fielder's choice. Washburn University responded with three runs, keeping the game tight at 17-15.
In the seventh inning, Cabuyaban delivered again with a bases-clearing double, extending the lead to 20-15 and recording a season-high total of 6 runs batted in. The Ichabods added a single run, bringing the score to 20-16.
The final innings were quiet, as both teams were held scoreless, sealing a 20-16 victory for Northwest Missouri State.
Tyson Hilsabeck started for Northwest Missouri State, pitching 2 1/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
Diego De Santiago followed with a 2 2/3 inning relief appearance, surrendering six earned runs and eight hits, while striking out none but managing a pickoff.
Brock Steggall closed out the game with a strong performance over four innings, yielding only one earned run on two hits, while striking out two and issuing one walk, maintaining a WHIP of 0.75. Steggall also recorded a season-high 5 ground outs.
Cabuyaban delivered a powerful performance, driving in six runs, including a home run and a double. Gall scored four runs and added two doubles, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.
Jordi Ventura tallied two runs and three hits, including a home run that drove in two runs. Marsh contributed with a home run, driving in three runs while crossing the plate twice himself.
Next Up:
Northwest will host Missouri Western for a mid-week affair at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 25 at the Bearcat Baseball Field.
