FHSU took advantage of Newman errors early to grab two of its three early leads. In the third, the Tigers scored on a fielding error with two outs to take a 1-0 lead. Tied 1-1 in the fourth, FHSU went back in front with an RBI single from Alex King. Tied 2-2 in the fifth, two Newman errors led to three unearned runs for the Tigers. A fielding error with two outs allowed the first run to score, then Kevin Czarnecki hit a two-run home run to put the Tigers up 5-2.
Tiger starting pitcher Brad Spires ran into trouble in the sixth by allowing three consecutive singles to open the inning. Kyle Vogt entered in relief, but a pair of fielding errors by the Tigers extended the inning, allowing Newman to score seven runs in the inning (the last five unearned). Three of the runs were charged to Spires, but the final four went to Vogt, who went on to take the loss in two innings of work even though he did not allow an earned run. Newman took a 9-5 lead heading to the seventh. Spires lasted 5.0 innings in his start and pitched to the first three batters of the sixth.
FHSU scored a run in the seventh as Austin Unrein stole second, allowing Nick Hammeke to score from third on the throw down to second base. However, the Jets got the run back in the top of the ninth to lead 10-6.
The Tigers rallied to load the bases in the ninth and proceeded to score three runs. Cooper Langley drove home the first run with a sacrifice fly, then Andre Vieyra followed with an RBI single. An error off the bat of pinch hitter Joe Mapes allowed one more run to score and leave the bases loaded, but pinch hitter Casey Sedbrook struck out to end the game as the rally came up just short. Kevin Luman recorded the final out for Newman to pick up his first save of the season.
Only four of Fort Hays State’s nine runs in the game were earned as Newman committed five errors. Newman starter Tanner Lee went 6.0 innings with five runs allowed (just one earned) on four hits and two walks, while striking out six. He moved to 3-3 on the year with the win.
Tyler Patty pitched the final two innings for the Tigers, allowing a run on three hits.
The Tigers play their final four home games of the season this weekend against Emporia State in another four-game MIAA series. The teams are set to open the series on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Larks Park.