TOPEKA, Kan. --- Following a disappointing loss in the series opener last night, the Washburn Ichabods bounced back Saturday and rallied past Nebraska-Kearney, 7-3, leveling the series at one game apiece.
 
The Lopers led early after a sacrifice fly pushed across the first run of the ballgame in the third. UNK held the 1-0 advantage before consecutive RBI singles extended the margin to 3-0 during the sixth.
 
A pair of singles and a hit by pitch allowed WU to load the bases with no outs to begin the bottom half of the sixth. Dylan Lonteen then put the Ichabods on the board, converting an 11-pitch at-bat into a double driving home Bowe Behymer and Riley Krane. The one-run advantage soon shifted in the Ichabods' favor as Gabe Franklin slapped a double down the left field line allowing Tanner Triggs and Lonteen to cross home making it 4-3.
 
Two batters later, Landon Hay roped a two-out single down the right field line to drive Franklin in for the run. Hay eventually made it 6-3 as a result of an RBI double from Darian Abram who completed his trip around the bases with help from single by Behymer.
 
UNK loaded the bases in the seventh and threatened to cut into the Ichabod margin but were ultimately left empty handed as Jaren Kutzke slammed the door.
 
After pitching five innings with one run on three hits, WU starter Lance Barkley received the no decision. Maustin Otterstatter was the pitcher the record as he worked the sixth. Jaren Kutzke and Zach Linquist combined to work the final three innings with Linquist recording the final six outs in order.
 
In the batters' box, Behymer led the way with a 3-for-4 outing and two stolen bases. Hay followed with pair hits while six other Ichabods each recording a hit.
 
Washburn will look to win the series on Sunday when it returns for the series finale. Originally scheduled for a noon start, the first-pitch from Falley Field will now slated for 2 p.m. due to inclement weather in the forecast.