TOPEKA, Kan. -- Washburn worked its second shutout of the week to win 10-0 over Arkansas-Fort Smith in eight innings, securing the first series sweep of the season. The win was career victory number 300 for Harley Douglas as the head coach at Washburn. The Ichabods head on the road for four games next, beginning Tuesday, April 14 against Fort Hays State at 3 p.m.
After a scoreless first inning from Gavin Wilhelm the Washburn (16-23, 12-13 MIAA) offense got going with two-outs in the bottom of the first. Jack Borgmann worked a walk and Levi Risenhoover slashed a single and advanced to second. Easton Wasinger slashed a single through the left side to score both and go up 2-0.
Arkansas-Fort Smith (4-35, 3-25 MIAA) worked the bases loaded in the second inning but were kept off the board with Levi Risenhoover making a sliding catch in right field with two outs. After escaping the jam Wilhem allowed one hit in the rest of his start. The score stayed 2-0 into the fifth inning when Risenhoover took a 1-0 pitch over the wall in left field for a home run. A hit batter and double by Jackson Mervosh put two more on with a balk scoring another in the three-run inning.
The Ichabods added on in the sixth with a one-out double from Brooks Richardson followed by a single from Ian Luce into center field to score him. After Borgmann worked a walk Risenhoover slashed a triple into the gap in left center to score them both. Wasinger capped off the four-run inning and made it 9-0 with a double to left center as well.
After entering in the fourth inning Mark Hoffman continued to keep the Lions off the board and did not allow a hit until the eighth inning. He left the bases loaded in the eighth to keep the shutout intact. An error and fielder's choice had two on in the eighth before Risenhoover was intentionally walked to load the bases. Wasinger was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game to score the game-winning run and end the game 10-0 after eight.
Washburn led 10-4 in hits while both teams worked five walks, three Ichabods reached base after being hit by pitches. The Lions also committed the only error of the game.
Gavin Wilhelm and Mark Hoffman combined to go the distance on the mound with Wilhelm earning the win after throwing 3.2 scoreless innings and striking out two. Mark Hoffman tossed 4.1 innings in relief with five strikeouts to earn the save.
At the plate Levi Risenhoover finished a double shy of the cycle going 3-4 with a home run and triple to drive in four runs and score three himself. Easton Wasinger went 3-3 and reached base five times, driving in four runs.
