HAYS, Kan. --- Timely hitting highlighted by a trio of home runs helped Washburn baseball (16-17, 9-13 MIAA) earn its third-straight victory on Friday, claiming the series opener from Fort Hays State, 7-6, in come-from-behind fashion.
 
Washburn fell behind 5-1 midway through as the Tigers plated back-to-back two-run frames in the fourth and fifth after each tallied one run in the second.
 
After stranding four runners in the previous two innings, the Ichabod bats were able to manufacture runs in the sixth. Peter Shearer began the frame with a lead-off single. Two batters later Javis Larson notched his 10^th double of the year, advancing Shearer to third before a fielding error allowed the lead-off man to cross home.
 
Wyatt Featherston then added to the Washburn cause as he connected on a 1-1 pitch for his third home run of the season, cutting the Fort Hays State margin to 5-4 in the process.
 
In the seventh, the re-invigorated Ichabod offense continued to churn as it claimed a 6-5 lead thanks to Shearer's first career home run in a Washburn uniform, a two-run shot to right. Also scoring on the play was Steven Jacobson who reached on a single.
 
Washburn scored once more in the eighth as Featherston again showcased his power with a towering solo blast, to become the first Ichabod since March 19 of last season to tally a two-home run performance.
 
With the Ichabods leading 7-5 in the ninth, Fort Hays State scratched one across cutting the Washburn margin to one. With one out the Tigers threatened to tie the tie the contest late but shortstop Xavier De Leon made a heads up play with a throw home as Jacobson applied a driving tag to get the runner from third to stall out the rally.
 
Washburn out hit FHSU, 12-10, though was charged with three errors and stranded seven. Featherston lead the way hitting 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBI. Shearer also had a three-hit outing in five plate appearances and fell a triple shy of collecting for the cycle, while registering three runs. Larson meanwhile was 2-for-3, stretching his hitting streak to a season-best seven games.
 
On the mound, Ichabod starter Josh Ramirez dominated en route to his fourth win of the year, surrendering five runs, four earned, on nine hits in eight innings of work with a career-best 10 strikeouts. The righty's outing is tied for ninth-most punchouts in a single-game. Ramirez also becomes the first pitcher to record double digit strikeouts since Mark Biesma had 10 on April 26, 2014. Brock Gilliam meanwhile picked up the save as worked the ninth.
 
Washburn resumes the series with Fort Hays State at Larks Park on Saturday, first pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.