TOPEKA, Kan. -- Washburn trailed 8-1 entering the bottom of the eighth but scored eight runs in the final two innings to force extra innings and would go on to win 10-9 on a walk-off in the 11th by Owen Laessig. The Ichabods will be back for game two of the series on Saturday at 2 p.m.
The RiverHawks (10-20, 5-13 MIAA) led off the game with three hits in the first inning to go up 1-0 in the game. They added another run on a pair of doubles in the third inning. The score stayed that way until the fourth inning with Ian Luce leading off with a single and stealing second base. With one out Easton Wasinger slashed a single into center field, putting Washburn (11-18, 8-9 MIAA) on the board to make it 2-1.
The first five hitters for Northeastern State reached in the sixth inning, scoring one run. They added another on a bases loaded walk and a third on a sacrifice fly making it 5-1. In the seventh inning the RiverHawks scored three more on three hits to extend the lead to seven.
The Ichabods cut into the deficit with singles by Trenton Barry and Luce to lead off the eighth inning followed by a three-run blast to left field by Levi Risenhoover. Brandt Beeby hit a pinch-hit single followed by a home run to the same spot by Jack Borgmann to make it 8-6. In the top of the ninth a leadoff error came around to score for Northeastern State to go up 9-6.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth Risenhoover and Beeby both slashed singles. Borgmann followed with a single of his own to score one. Chase Littrell followed with a double into the right field gap, scoring two and tying the game at nine, sending it to extra innings.
Fidel Hatch tossed a scoreless top of the tenth for Washburn, although at the plate in the bottom half two were left on base, sending the game to the 11th. Borgmann led off the home half of the 11th with a walk, he would move to second on a fielder's choice. With two outs in the game Owen Laessig found outfield green in right field for a single, scoring Borgmann to walk off the game and take game one of the series.
The Ichabods were narrowly out-hit 18-17 while the RiverHawks also led 7-6 in walks. Washburn committed two errors with one charged to Northeastern State.
Five pitchers took the mound for Washburn, led by five innings from Kai Bennett who struck out three with five runs allowed. Braden Cork tossed 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen and Fidel Hatch earned the win throwing 2.0 scoreless with four strikeouts.
At the plate Jack Borgmann went 3-5 with a home run and three RBI. Levi Risenhoover went 2-5 and drove in three with his home run. Ian Luce also went 3-5 with a walk while Trenton Barry and Brandt Beeby had multi-hit days.
