FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State took the first of a three-game series in walk-off fashion against Central Oklahoma on Friday (Mar. 4) by the score of 10-9. With the win the Tigers move to 8-7 overall and 2-2 in the MIAA, while the Bronchos drop to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA.
The Tigers got on the board early with three runs in the first. Caleb Cherryholmes hit his third homerun of the season with one out giving FHSU a 1-0 lead. With two outs, Joe Mapes singled then moved to third after a double from Connor Ross. Alex Weiss then delivered a two RBI single.
The Bronchos got two runs of their own in the second thanks to back-to-back solo home runs from Isaac Hellbush and Jon Kamies.
UCO took its first lead in the fifth inning. A fielder’s choice allowed the leadoff man to score after walking prior, which tied the game. Another home run, a two-run shot, put the Bronchos on top 5-3.
The Tigers responded in the sixth when they pushed five runs across. With the bases loaded Austin Unrein delivered a two-out grand slam and Mapes followed that with a solo shot of his own.
The Tigers got one more run in the seventh when Clayton Basgall homered and the Tigers headed to the eight with a 9-5 lead. That Bronchos were not done as they rallied for three in the eighth. A three-run home run off the bat of Brenton Washausen cut the Tiger lead to just one and an RBI triple in the ninth tied the game at 9-9.
Ross led off the Tiger half of the ninth with a walk and moved into scoring position when Weiss singled up the middle. A sacrifice bunt from Alex King put runners on second and third with just one out. Hammeke was walked intentionally to load the bases in hopes of the ground ball double play. Basgall was able to deliver though, sending a ball deep enough to right field allowing Ross to score on the walk-off sacrifice fly.
D.J. Carr started the game on the mound for the Tigers and lasted eight innings giving up eight runs on ten hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts. Kyle Vogt was unable to get the save but picked up the win in relief by tossing one inning with a run allowed.
Game two between the Bronchos and Tigers will take place on Saturday (Mar. 5) at 1:00 p.m.