TOPEKA, Kan. --- Joel Spain was clutch for the Washburn Ichabods in Friday night's series opener against Lindenwood as the junior provided the tying and go-ahead runs to complete the eighth rally, lifting Washburn to a 10-9 victory in front of an enthusiastic Falley Field crowd.
 
In addition to his two RBI, Spain, who was introduced into the lineup as pinch-hitter early in the game, finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
 
Trailing 9-7 since the fifth, the Ichabods (16-29, 10-24 MIAA) cut the deficit to one as a costly Lindenwood throwing error allowed Jake Bublitz (1-for-4, 1 BB) to reach on the play, while Josh Crosby (2-for-3, 1 BB) sprinted home from second after getting on-board with a lead-off walk.
 
With Bublitz at second and Steven Jacobson (1-for-4) at first after getting plunked with a pitch with two outs, Spain answered the call sharply hit single through the right side allowing both runners to cross giving the lead.
 
After an exceptional four and two-thirds that saw reliever Austin Simpson (4-0) muzzle the Lion offense as he surrendered one run on three hits, closer Sam Carver (2) took the mound in the ninth. Carver quickly picked up an early out with a swinging K by the lead-off batter before a pair of back-to-back walks placed runners at first and second. The righty tallied another swing strike to usher the top of the LWU order. They however would not be an issue as Jacobson rifled a throw to third, allowing Crosby to place a tag for the final out.
 
Josh Ramirez was granted a no decision as he saw the Lions score eight runs, six earned on nine hits in three and a third innings. Lindenwood got to the Ichabod starter early with a five-run first, before adding one in the second and two in the fourth.
 
The Ichabod responded to Lindenwood's five-run first with a couple of unearned runs by Crosby and Javis Larson. A Jake Hahn two-out double to left during the third then made it 6-3.
 
Trailing 8-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Washburn trimmed the margin to three thanks to consecutive doubles from Bowe Behymer (1-for-5) and Bublitz.
 
Lindenwood reclaimed a four-run lead in the fifth with an RBI single, but the Ichabods continued to chip away as Larson doubled to right, allowing Spain to score on the play from second after reaching on a lead-off single. Crosby then poked a single through the left infield gap to push Larson across and close the Lindenwood advantage to 9-7.
 
Washburn finished the day by outhitting the Lions, 13-12, while both sides were charged with three errors apiece. Ever Ichabod batter registered at least one hit, while seven different players notched an RBI. Spain's three-hit day was followed by Crosby and Larson who each had two. All three players scored twice.
 
The series will resume on Saturday with game two from Falley Field. First-pitch is scheduled for 3 pm.